Naidu directs officials to grant clearances to industries within 21 days

He gave an ultimatum to give the 28 types of approvals within three weeks instead of the existing three-month period

Andhra Pradesh chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday directed the industries department to grant clearances within 21 days of application.

At a review meeting on the state’s new industrial policy that is yet to be unveiled, the chief minister said 28 types of approvals needed for industries should be granted within 21 days.

According to an official press release, the chief minister said that industrialists and investors should get clearances in a hassle-free way for their projects. This, according to him, will make the industrial environment conducive in the state.

Industries department officials informed Naidu that, according to the current industrial policy, building plan, concern for establishment, power and fire approvals were being granted within 90 days. In response, the chief minister said clearances had to be granted within three weeks' time and there should not be any further delay.

The chief minister suggested the industries department to prepare a manual with a set of rules that would serve as a guide to investors. He wanted appointment of escort executives to act as a bridge between the government and industrialists. These executives would be responsible for clearances for the project.

He said the new industrial policy should also clarify the role of service sector (that generates more jobs) than just focusing on the manufacturing sector alone.

He directed officials to set up a control room, which would update investors about their applications’ status and frame a time-period for clearances from the Pollution Control Board.

Stating that the industrial development should be decentralised, Naidu asked officials to ensure that one industry should not be granted thousands of acres in one area.

He suggested an alternative solution of allotting land for the industry in different areas of the state to ensure decentralised development.

The chief minister also asked the industries department to coordinate with IT, tourism, infrastructure, power, roads and buildings and other departments. With an aim to encourage entrepreneurs and create a start-up ecosystem, he suggested that every industrial zone should house an incubation centre.

The new policy, Naidu said, should encourage women belonging to BC, SC, ST, Muslims and minorities to become entrepreneurs.

He also asked officials to encourage industries that contribute a part of their revenues for skill upgradation.