Punjab ready to open doors for single window clearance

CHANDIGARH: The government of Punjab is in the process of finalising the Single Window Clearance Act and the draft would be presented before the cabinet for approval during the Budget Session in February 2005, informed Mr S C Agrawal, principal secretary, industries & commerce, Punjab.

The Single Window Clearance Act would be based on the Andhra Pradesh Model aimed to make the single window clearances for various projects, more practical. The approvals would be given with specific timelines and would have a clause to provide deemed approvals in case the concerned department do not reply within the prescribed timelines.

He announced this while addressing an interactive session, organised by CII Punjab State Council in association with The World Bank in Ludhiana today.

While replying to a query on the promoting the housing and real estate sector in Punjab, Mr Agrawal mentioned that the PUDA is already proposing to put a system in place wherein the ‘Letter of Intent’ would be made available to the investor/developer within 30 days of filing of the formal application.

He also stressed on the need to develop a workable model to overcome the inherent locational disadvantages that the industry is facing in the state, he added.

The World Bank has recommended the state government to accelerate the implementation of the reforms process to rejuvenate the State economy while stressing on the areas of concern like growth slowdown, fiscal distress and deteriorating public services.

Points suggested by the World Bank to improve Punjab’s economic health include, complete adherence to Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management Act; strengthening tax administration to eliminate under-taxation; measures to reduce overstaffing; law to limit transfers; greater decentralisation of health & educational services; agricultural marketing and institutional reforms; and implementation of provision under Electricity Act 2003.