Modi lauds Odisha Govt’s business reforms

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 6:

The slew of measures implemented by Odisha Government on business reforms have started bringing desired results– at least on appreciation front. The latest to recognize this achievement was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appreciated the state for ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

“Reaffirmed my belief in equal progress of all states. Strides of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh & Odisha in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ are great news,” tweeted Prime Minister Modi on Friday.

Notably, in a report published on September 14, The World Bank had also recognized the state as an ‘Aspiring Leader’ ahead of many industrially progressive States in the country.

Among the various measures implemented by the state to encourage industrialization, it makes the mark for offering auto renewal for both environmental consents on the basis of self and third-party certification and their consents to operate which is valid for five years.

The World Bank report had pointed out that the state is only one of the three states in India including West Bengal and Rajasthan, where a single identity is issued to a business for the ease of filing all taxes. Odisha also scores for having created a land bank for industrial use and providing the prospective investor related information to choose the site depending upon their need.

Besides, the report had also pointed out that while 12 States differentiate their inspection requirements by category of industry, Odisha does not exempt green industries from Pollution Control Board clearance prior to business start-up.

A number of technological initiatives have also been taken up. The State has set up a new website and a unique mobile app providing information about various policies, sector specific approvals and investment opportunities. An online portal has been launched to provide information on land use and various services to a prospective investor for faster decision making.

The State Pollution Control Board is already providing the consent under various Acts through an online system. Another 14 services concerning different approvals for setting up the industries will be made available online very soon including new electricity connection for all industries.

Similarly, Odisha is developing a system for online assessment and approvals of building plans and will enact a building code for all in the entire State.