Rajasthan policy to woo investors: Start projects first, get approvals later

JAIPUR: In what could set a new benchmark in the country in the ease of doing business, the state industry department is readying a new policy that will let investors start projects without requiring any approvals. The government is planning to announce the policy before the code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls becomes operational in the coming days.

Speaking at the first-ever Industrial Advisory Council meeting held on Friday, industries minister Parsadi Lal Meena said the policy, which would make Rajasthan the first choice for investors, will be announced very soon.



Speaking to TOI, Meena said the new policy will be unique in the country as industrial units will be allowed to start projects first without having to worry about approvals.

“Under the new policy, the companies can start their projects without any approval. They would be given three years to get the approvals. This kind of a mechanism will reduce red tape and make the state a preferred destination for investment in the country,” said Meena. The minister said many proposed investments don’t materialise on the ground because of various approval issues.

‘We’re working to get ordinance passed as soon as possible’

“The investors don’t wait. If the approvals are getting delayed, they junk the project and move to other states. There are innumerable cases where investors commit investments, and then back out in the absence of clearances and approvals. We want to eliminate those uncertainties,” industries minister Parsadi Lal Meena added.

When asked how and when the government was going to ready the policy, he said the government would consider the ordinance route to announce the policy next week itself. “We are working to get the ordinance passed as soon as possible so that it gets implemented before the code of conduct kicks in,” said Meena.

Policy inefficiencies, administrative indifference, protracted disputes and a slew of such issues have plagued the growth and expansion of industrialization in the state. The new government is keen to revitalize the ecosystem with a new industrial policy for which it seeks to work with the industry. The government invited their feedback and suggestions at the meeting held on Friday. About 24 industrial associations from across the state participated and flagged their difficulties. They also offered suggestions to improve the ease of doing business.

Subodh Agarwal, additional chief secretary, industry department, said that the government would weigh every suggestion from the industry on merit and incorporate them in the industrial policy which is in the last stage of preparation.

Niranjan Kumar Arya, ACS, finance, said the government would support the innovative policies of the industry department as the state needs industries that are key to generating jobs for youths.