Grant approvals for industries within 21 days: AP CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today directed the Industries Department to grant clearances within 21 days of receiving application, a move aimed at attracting investment by cutting red tape and expediting execution of job-creating projects.
At a review meeting on the state's new industrial policy that is yet to be unveiled, he noted that 28 types of approvals are needed for setting up industries.
"Industrialists and investors should get clearances in a hassle-free way for their projects. This will make the industrial environment conducive in Andhra Pradesh."
Industries Department officials informed Naidu that according to the current policy, building plan, power and fire approvals are being granted within 90 days.

Reacting to this, the Chief Minister said clearances have to be granted within 21 days and added there cannot be any further delay. He asked the department to prepare a manual with a set of rules that will serve as a guide to investors.
Escort executives will be appointed to act as a bridge between the Government and industrialists. These executives will be responsible for clearances for a project, he said.

He said the new industrial policy should also clarify the role of service sector (that generates more jobs) than just focusing on manufacturing alone.
The chief minister directed officials to set up a control room to update investors about their application status, and also suggested that a time-period be framed for clearances from the Pollution Control Board.

Stating that industrial development should be decentralised, Naidu asked officials to ensure one industry is not granted thousands of acres in a single area.
He asked the department to coordinate with IT, power, tourism, infrastructure and other departments, and directed officials to identify non-utilised lands which could be put for industrial use.
With an aim to encourage entrepreneurs and create a start-up ecosystem, Naidu suggested that every industrial zone must house an incubation centre. The new policy, Naidu said, should safeguard the interests of BC, SC, ST, women and minorities, and encourage them to become entrepreneurs.
He asked officials to encourage industries that contribute a part of their revenues for skill upgradation, and also discussed on the incentives on stamp duty, VAT exemption and power subsidies.