Bengal introduces single-window clearance for 38 industries

5 Dariya News

Kolkata 01-Jun-2015

Stating her government is absolutely against any strikes and shutdowns, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that 38 industrial sectors, inclusive of MSMEs, will get single-window clearance facility for setting up new plants or investing in the state."We are against any shutdowns (bandhs) and strikes which affects the normal functioning of the state," she told investors here at an interactive seminar, Business Made Easy - The Next Level.Banerjee said her government is trying hard to attract investment in the state and has quickened the process of obtaining clearance certificates from various departments."During 2011, West Bengal was ranked at 17th position in terms of ease of doing business. We have taken stock of the situation and have introduced single-window clearance for 38 subjects (sectors)," she said.

The chief minister said for electricity linkage, the companies can obtain the quotation online instead of opting for paperwork."Within 15 days, the clearance will be given," she said.She said 49 sectors identified as Green have been exempted from any environment related clearance. A 30-day timeframe has been fixed for another group of industries - identified as the orange sector - for getting environmental green signal. The third category - the red sector - comprising the chemicals and hazardous industries, can obtain clearance within 60 days of application."Fity-one clearances were given during 2014-15 and presently it takes 45-60 days to get the clearance. We are bringing down the time needed to obtain the clearances," said an official with the state's environment department.Banerjee said besides attracting big-ticket business in the state, efforts have also to be made to boost the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector."Without any pre-condition, we'll issue provisional trade licenses within 15 days of application and the documents needed can be submitted thereafter," she said.Apart from these measures, the state government is also fast-tracking the process of obtaining clearances and extending the tenure of licenses in the land, municipality, panchayat and other departments.