Gujarat land acquisition model is the best: Commerce min

The report, prepared by Accenture, said Gujarat has 'a very simplified land acquisition procedure in the state with minimum direct government participation'

A Commerce and Industry Ministry sponsored report on Tuesday showcased the Gujarat model of land acquisition as the best practice, adding it can be emulated by other states with some modifications, to improve the business environment.

The report on “Best Practices to Improve the Business Environment Across States/UTs in India”, prepared by consultancy firm Accenture on behalf of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, also talks about the best practices in Karnataka and Maharashtra on issues related to labour management and trade and investment facilitation system.

“Although we have chosen to showcase Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation’s (GIDC) model for land-related intervention as the best practice, some other states have taken initiatives to help businesses to get land for setting up facilities,” it said.

Land acquisition, it may be noted, has become a controversial issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with the Congress accusing Narendra Modi-led BJP government in Gujarat of giving cheap land to business houses.

The report said Gujarat has “a very simplified land acquisition procedure in the state with minimum direct government participation”.

With regard to land acquisition, it also cited examples of Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.

As regards environmental clearances, the report praised the practices adopted by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

“The GPCB has adopted the (various)features in the XGN (Extended Green Node) portal which has made it a best practice and can be replicated across other states,” it added.

The other best practices, which featured in the report, pertain to integrated and comprehensive system for VAT in Karnataka; labour management solution in Maharashtra; setting up Maharashtra Industry, Trade and Investment Facilitation Cell; and single window clearance in Rajasthan and Punjab.