NT NETWORK
Panaji
Aiming to improve the state’s ease of doing business ranking for 2020, the government has asked all departments to implement a common set of reform points prepared by the Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB).
Accordingly, departments have been given the deadline of October 16, to act on the reform points and update the IPB on the action taken. A circular asking all heads of departments, managing directors of corporations, state undertakings, to comply with the reform points was issued by the Chief Secretary, Parimal Rai, on Tuesday.
The reforms are a part of the department-wise Business Reform Action Plan 2020 prepared by the IPB. They pertain to availability of information online, online service disposal, online dashboard for applications submitted and approvals granted, mandating timelines through the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act (PSDGA), eliminating the requirement of renewals or institutionalising auto-renewal, use of online public consultation module for feedback gathering etc.
The government has asked departments to treat all proposals related to EoDB on priority basis. Further, the government has said that the department of IT will facilitate electronic implementation of the reform process through software provided by GEL.
The BRAP for EoDB comprises about 11 common services to be provided by various departments aimed at making the state business-friendly. It requires departments to put on their website regulations and licenses as well as list of incentives. Further the incentives have to be granted online and through a single window.
Towards EoDB departments have been asked to eliminate the need for renewal of license by providing for auto renewal. Departments also have to put up on their website timelines notified in the PSDGA and comply with the same.
The state’s ranking in the EoDB Index for 2019, slipped five places to 24th position from 19th position previously. Goan industry viewed the slide in ranking as “very worrisome trend” and asked the government to introspect and put its act together. EoDB is important to attract investors to the state.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ministry of commerce, releases the EoDB index of states each year.