Single-window system for industries gets govt nod

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a new single-window system policy for quick approval of industrial proposals in the state.

The new policy, which will take the shape of an Act, is likely to be implemented through a government ordinance since there will be no Vidhan Sabha session before the Assembly elections which are due in February next year.

A decision to this effect was taken by a meeting of the state Cabinet held here late last evening.

Under the system, the government has set up district-wise steering committee to clear proposals up to Rs 5 crore and a state-level steering committee to clear proposals above the size of Rs 5 crore, it was officially announced.

While the district level committee would be headed by the District Magistrate, the state level committee would be chaired by the state chief secretary.

After the approval, the government would shortly formulate rules of the new policy to fix time-periods of deemed clearances. “In case, the competent authority fails to pass final orders on the application within a stipulated time, the provisions of deemed clearance will come into effect,” a top government official said.

It was not yet clear whether the government would go for an online single window system. “We will be shortly framing rules of the single window system,” said additional secretary industries, Kishan Nath.

Significantly, the move came after the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other organisations made representations to the government for an online single window system in order to enhance efficiency in the department of industry.

“We are thankful to the government for accepting our longstanding demand of the single window system,” said Vibha Malhotra, director, Uttarakhand CII state office, here.

CII, in its report, had suggested the government to set up a grievance redressal mechanism which it claims would lead to the efficiency of the department. This mechanism will also cover complaints related to corruption and delays, the report said.