Is Haryana on the Path to Becoming the Most Investor-Friendly State?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Haryana is implementing nine key reforms to improve the investment climate.
- The state aims to complete 23 identified reforms by year-end.
- Women are allowed to work night shifts in all sectors.
- Approval times for businesses have been significantly reduced.
- Pollution control processes have been streamlined for efficiency.
Chandigarh, Nov 12 (NationPress) Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is embarking on a transformative journey to become one of India's most investor-friendly states. The state has enacted nine pivotal reforms and expedited an additional thirteen reforms as part of its deregulation strategy. By the end of the year, Haryana aims to complete all 23 identified reforms, which will significantly enhance the business climate and boost job creation.
This progress was assessed during a high-level meeting co-chaired by Special Secretary K.K. Pathak and Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, where officials from the Town and Country Planning (TCP), Labour, Industries, and Pollution Control Board shared updates.
Pathak commended Haryana's efforts in implementing reforms that reduce compliance burdens, streamline procedures, and enhance digital transparency in governance.
The TCP Department has introduced flexible zoning for mixed-use development, facilitating residential, commercial, and industrial activities within the same zone.
A GIS-based databank for industrial land, integrated with the India Industrial Land Bank (IILB), has been launched to assist investors in swiftly locating and securing plots.
The Change of Land Use (CLU) process has been simplified, trimming documentation from 19 to just three essentials: ownership proof, project report, and indemnity bond.
The average approval time has decreased to 36 days. The minimum road width for rural industries has been reduced to 20 feet, awaiting final approval.
The Labour Department has initiated significant reforms to enhance flexibility and inclusivity, allowing women to work night shifts (7 pm to 6 am) across all sectors, including factories and shops.
Norms surrounding factory closures and retrenchments have been rationalized to simplify operations.
These reforms are designed to provide industries with increased operational freedom while safeguarding worker welfare.
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has reduced clearance timelines for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from 30 to 21 days.
Auto-renewal of CTOs for up to 15 years has been implemented for green industries. Additionally, the board has reclassified 734 non-polluting industries into the 'white category', exempting them from routine inspections.
Self-certification and third-party verification have replaced multiple layers of manual checks to ensure compliance and efficiency.
The Industries Department has consolidated all services with the national single window system (NSWS), offering investors a unified platform for approvals and incentives.
Haryana has also adopted its own version of the Jan Vishwas framework, decriminalizing minor offenses and introducing civil penalties.