UT administration fails to address woes of industrialists

Despite announcing an online portal and single window system in the industrial policy launched in July this year, the UT administration has failed to fulfill its promise to date.

Despite announcing an online portal and single window system in the industrial policy launched in July this year, the UT administration has failed to fulfill its promise to date.

The first comprehensive industrial policy for the city had promised time-bound services and introduction of a common online application form for all such services. The transfer of industrial plots from leasehold-to-leasehold basis was to be allowed and rules in this regard were to be put in place by October 2.

But the administration also failed to fix the rates, resulting in some industrialists meeting senior UT officials this week and demanding action in this direction.

The 18-page policy document had professed to promote non-polluting, technology-driven and knowledge-based industry. The administration had announced setting up of a single window committee with industries’ director as the nodal officer.

Administration sources said as per the policy, the department was supposed to come up with a single-window service and online portal by October 2, but due to technical delays the service could not be implemented.

The sources also said the single-window service will benefit traders. They will not have to visit offices repeatedly to get permissions and will be connected to different departments through the online portal. They will be in a position to track their applications online.

UT home secretary Anurag Agarwal said, “The online portal and the common window service is expected to be introduced by the year end.”

Past president of the industries’ association of Chandigarh Arun Mahajan said, “The allotment of the industrial plots in the city after 1973 was on lease and 75% of the plots are on general power of attorney.”

He added, “We have sought transfer of industrial plots from leasehold-to-leasehold basis on nominal rate so that the properties can be transferred and the administration can also earn revenue. We were expecting the fixing of rates by now, but nothing has been done by the administration to date.”

Under the policy

Time-bound services and introduction of a common online application form for all services

Setting up of a single-window committee with industries’ director as nodal officer

Allowing transfer of industrial plots from leasehold-to-leasehold basis

Promotion of non-polluting, technology-driven and knowledge-based industry