Telangana’s industrial policy with a thrust on a job-oriented growth and assuring time-bound approvals, facilitation measures and zero tolerance to corruption was unveiled by Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday amid a galaxy of industrialists, members of the diplomatic corps and officials.
A continuation of the framework unveiled last year, making the launch important was an announcement that the government will brook no sluggishness. Officials concerned will be penalised Rs.1,000 a day, on a recurring basis, for delays, declared Mr. Rao and Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma. Unveiling a portal for online filing of applications for projects, under the TS-iPass Act and rules, besides the solar power policy framework, the Chief Minister asserted: “We will live up to your expectations.”
Thanking ITC Ltd chairman, Y.C.Deveshwar, who earlier announced that the well-diversified group would invest Rs.8,000 crore in Telangana, and other industry leaders for their “good words about the State,” Mr. Rao said a special team of protocol officers is to be formed in the Industries Department.
This team is expected to be an important link in the State government’s vision to make the entire process of setting up industries smooth and easy. Reiterating the step-by-step process, from filing of the applications to issue of a comprehensive set of clearances pertaining to land, water and power, Mr.Rao said he promised to make things happen, graft and hassle free.
‘Actions will speak’
Assuring that Hyderabad and Telangana will be made the most happening place in the country, he said, adding that his government’s action will speak. With ‘minimum inspection, maximum facilitation,’ as the cornerstone, the industrial policy is ably supported by the 1.5 lakh acres of land readily available with the government for allotment to industry. Salient features of the policy include: special incentive package for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs; 10 per cent water from all irrigation sources reserved exclusively for industries; and setting up of Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) towards industry-institution linkage.
Plug and play
industrial parks
The government was contemplating setting up plug and play industrial parks, he said. Citing to the speed with which a police station was set up in Adibatla, after IT major TCS sought one to ensure safety of its employees, particularly women, he said maintenance of law and order was a priority for his government. Among the measures being initiated for better safety were installation of 1.15 lakh CCTV cameras in Hyderabad and formation of SHE police team to curb eve-teasing. The government, he added, had also decided to recruit 33 per cent women in the police force. Chief Secretary Mr. Sharma said the State was blessed with huge parcels of government land hitherto uncared and the policy is process oriented in which chances of discretion are totally eliminated.
