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Karnataka relaxes norms for industries

Our Bureau

BANGALORE, Sept. 26

KARNATAKA has decided to move further into a new industry-friendly regime by deregulating its industrial and business environment through a set of simplified rules and procedures.

The new rules will come into effect on November 1, the Large & Medium Industries Minister, Mr R.V. Deshpande, told a news conference.

Under the new single window, single application approach, entrepreneurs can get their clearances through the nodal Karnataka Udyoga Mitra.

Industries will now make one application instead of 14, maintain three instead of 27 registers, and have three inspectors instead of 37. Self-certification will be encouraged. Clearances for non-hazardous categories will be given on a fast track in 35 da ys, the Minister said.

The Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) Act, 2001, will be enacted to give the process legal teeth. An ordinance may be promulgated if necessary, Mr Deshpande said.

The Chief Minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, who earlier reviewed the measures, directed all departments to issue amendments within a month.

According to Mr B.S. Patil, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, the deregulation move is meant to promote a market driven, efficient and competitive industry under a responsive and transparent regulatory framework. It encourages self-certificatio n by entrepreneurs. This will ensure timely completion of projects besides reducing transaction cost.

Mr G. Gurucharan, Director and Commissioner for Industries, said industries will be categorised into non-polluting and non-hazardous, with the latter getting quick clearances.

KIADB, the urban development authorities and local bodies will adopt common building bye-laws.

A Bill has been moved to constitute industrial townships under the 73rd and 74th Constitution amendments. The Government is reviewing fees and charges under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act and the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Act, the Minister added.