The State of Odisha is committed to simplify the processes and expedite project approvals. Odisha has embarked on a mission to leverage technology to complement the governance framework. The approvals and clearances for the establishment and operations of the industries shall be through an on-line portal with minimum human interface. The State is a pioneer in implementing the “Ease of Doing Business” framework through a robust single window clearance mechanism. In fact, Odisha was one of the first States in India to constitute a Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) through legislation. This system enables the investor to approach a single designated authority and seek all clearances and approvals to setup and operationalize an industry.
The State established Single Window Clearance mechanism in pursuance of the Odisha Industries (Facilitation) Act 2004 for providing time bound clearances and approvals. An online Combined Application Form (CAF) has been created which all departments/authorities are mandated to accept for various clearances and approvals.
The State has put in place an effective institutional mechanism for industrial promotion and investment facilitation at various levels. A three-tier single window clearance mechanism to facilitate speedy implementation of industrial projects is in place. At the helm, the High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) chaired by the Chief Minister and State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) chaired by the Chief Secretary provides the overall direction and guidance.
Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) functions as the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) and Technical Secretariat for SLSWCA. District Level Single Window Clearance Authority (DLSWCA) is active in all the districts. The District Industries Centers (DICs) are effectively taking on the functions of District Level Nodal Agency (DLNA).
The Single Window Clearance System is responsible for the following actions:
The Single Window Clearance System in the State categorizes the proposed projects into three groups based on the total investment proposed. An investor with a proposed investment of less than Rs. 50 crore (US$ 8 million) approaches the respective DIC, which acts as the nodal agency for all further approval and clearance process. The project is considered for clearances by the District Level Single Window Clearance Authority (DLSWA).
For projects with investment greater than Rs. 50 Crore (approx.US$8 million), the nodal agency for single window clearance process is IPICOL. All the proposals with proposed investment amount of greater than Rs. 50 Crore (approx.US$8 million) are evaluated and assessed by the State Level Single Window Clearance Agency (SLSWCA). However, for projects with proposed investment of greater than Rs. 1,000 crore (approx.US$160 million), a special High Level Clearance Agency (HLCA), headed by the Chief Minister, has been constituted for the clearances.
The above mentioned process for the single window system is shown in the flow chart below:
