Ease of doing business: Swift action ordered for pending 28 services, says minister MB Patil

Bengaluru: The state government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the ease of doing business (EoDB) environment, with industries & infrastructure minister MB Patil directing officials to speed up amendments to streamline 28 pending services.

The minister, who chaired a meeting on EoDB and the Single Window Committees, underscored the government's determination to outpace neighboring states in business efficiency.

"We are determined to establish a system that's more efficient and industry-friendly than our competitors," he said. While 115 services across 20 departments have been integrated under the Single Window system, the government is prioritizing the remaining 28 services for swift implementation. These are spread across the Revenue, Forest, Home, Environment, Primary Education, Fire Services, and Energy departments. This would save investors valuable time and stimulate investment in Karnataka.


Minister Patil highlighted that although Karnataka has led in the IT sector, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced new challenges. He stressed the need for all departments, including KIADB, to facilitate prompt approvals for industrial projects, streamlining processes for electricity connections, Fire Department NOCs, and Pollution Control Board approvals.

Approval Timelines Cut

Minister Patil announced significant reductions in approval timelines: Fire Department NOCs will now be issued within 21 days instead of 60, electricity connection approvals are down to 10 days from 25, lift and escalator operations approvals reduced to 20 days from 40, and new water connection approvals now at 30 days from 42. The Labour Department will issue industrial licenses and boiler registrations within 14 days. These changes have been notified and will soon be formalized through fast-tracked legislation.

He also announced that the State Pollution Control Board has reduced approval times significantly. Permissions for land use change within Bengaluru will be expedited from 120 days to 45.

Currently, 32 data centers operate across the state, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply is crucial. Patil noted the necessity of developing dedicated data center clusters with exclusive power lines. A ministerial-level meeting is planned to identify locations for new data centers and ensure essential infrastructure, particularly power connectivity.

Principal Secretary at the Industries Department S. Selvakumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Gaurav Gupta, Forest Department Principal Secretary Manoj Kumar, Urban Development Secretary Deepa Cholan, Industries Commissioner Gunjan Krishna, Revenue Commissioner Meena Nagaraj, and Bescom MD Shivashankar attended the meeting.