In a bid to fast track major investment projects and imparts transparency in clearance procedures, the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) under the Cabinet Secretariat has announced that all forest clearance applications would be digitized and uploaded on the web from July 1, 2014. Likewise, tracking of environment clearance proposals would be facilitated online by September 1, this year.
This was stated here today by Mr. Anil Swarup, Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, while addressing FICCI’s interactive meeting on 'Optimizing Project Clearance Framework for Stimulating Investments'.
Mr. Swarup also indicated that clearances for exploration of mines would be put up on the web from November 1, 2014. These steps are expected to build investor confidence and revive the investment cycle that has slowed down considerable during the last couple of years. FICCI has been closely working with the PMG to simplify and rationalize the process of clearance for large projects. So far the PMG headed by Mr. Swarup has facilitated clearance for over 150 projects worth Rs. 5,27,299 crore. However, there are over 280 more projects registered with PMG that are awaiting various clearances.
Speaking on the expanded role of the PMG, Mr. Swarup said that a decision had been taken to hand over the role of resolution of issues on the ground to PMG. Furthermore, the Group is also looking at policy issues and once the process of digitization of investment proposals is complete, re-engineering of the process flow and removal of impediments will begin.
Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, admitted that mining was not being regulated well at the moment and the legal provisions of mining have led to peculiar situations. Also, the procedures were extremely slow and there was an immediate need to quicken the pace. He said that comprehensive amendments in the existing Bill were in the offing or a new Bill could also be put in place. He assured that industry will be consulted in this regard.
A K Gautam, Economic Adviser, Department of Land Resources, urged the industry to share its views and suggestions as it would help the Department in understanding the core issues faced by the industry.
Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairman, India and Director, HSBC Asia Pacific and Immediate Past President, FICCI, said that FICCI feels that the scope and ambit of the PMG can be widened to holistically look at issues related to investment clearance process as there is a need for rationalizing and simplifying the whole process of clearance not just at the Centre but at the state level also. There is a need to re-engineer these rules and regulations to make it simpler for the investor to comply. FICCI has also written to Cabinet Secretary in this regard.
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