KCR Promises Investor-Friendly Industrial Policy

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday vowed that his government would introduce a first-of-its-kind industrial policy of international standards wherein investors would be able to start their businesses in Telangana in the shortest possible time in the country.

Interacting with industrialist-members of FICCI, CII, FAPCCI and other industry bodies, KCR said that the new policy, to be unveiled in next 2-3 weeks, would be different in many ways.

The Chasing Cell of the CMO would ensure clearances of all business proposals through a single-window system.

"It usually takes about 2-3 years for an industry to get 24-30 different clearances to start a business. However, except for environment, all other clearances will be given within 3 weeks now. Further, the Pollution Control Board takes up applications during its quarterly meetings. However, the same will be made available online now," the CM said.

KCR also promised uninterrupted power supply, 10% of water from each irrigation project, and other facilities required to set up industries in Telangana.

He reiterated that that an officer from the Protocol Department would receive all the investors at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and they would be directly brought to his office.

He also thanked Governor E S L Narasimhan for referring a few companies planning to invest in the State.

"The Governor called me and asked me to talk to some noted investors, who were otherwise put to the inconvenience of corruption by the previous government," KCR said.

The Chief Minister also gave details of his plans to expand the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He said that the existing infrastructure like roads, drainage, water supply and other facilities would be upgraded. He also said that the expanded city would cater to the needs of about 2.5 crore people.

KCR said that about 20 lakh acres of land would be used for industrialisation. Further, nearly 3 lakh acres would be allotted to industries within a radius of 100-120 km of Hyderabad.

The CM added that the Telangana GENCO had been asked to work out plans on the generation of 6,000 MW power on an immediate basis. He said that the shortage of power would be met by purchasing power from Chattisgarh and other neighbouring States.

He said that the government proposed to encourage plug and play faculties in Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister averred that the government aimed to eradicate unemployment from the State, and would support Dalits, BCs, STs and minorities in entrepreneurship. He also assured a corruption-free administration.

Chief Secretary Dr Rajiv Sharma, Special Secretary (Industries) K Pradeep Chandra and more than 50 prominent industrialists participated in the program. (INN)