Odisha fast-tracks project approval process state investment promotion corporation to clear proposals within 30 days

The new entity, christened State Level Facilitation Cell or SLFC, will serve as a guiding force to  the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) to channel prospective investments from India and abroad.

The SLFC has segregated companies in two broad categories: Green and Non-green. The Green category largely comprises agri-based industries, food-processing, cottage industries, textiles, light engineering, chemicals, building materials, and consumer goods. Under the new arrangement, SLFC will provide clearances to Green category projects within a 15-day period. All other industrial projects, categorised as Non-green, will receive approvals within 30 days.

SLFC will monitor the general and special conditions of approved project proposals and facilitate timely implementation of projects. The SLFC consists of empowered members from Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), and Factories and Boilers and Water Resource Department on a full-time basis.

Representatives of national level Industry associations will also be a part of the SLFC board to mentor and guide investors and promote industries in the state.

The Odisha government’s decision to set up SLFC and expedite the investment proposals is significant since the state was one of the pioneers in adopting the single-window mechanism for clearing industrial investments in the country.

IPICOL CMD Sanjeev Chopra said, “Through the SLFC, we will be delighted to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience to all prospective investors. We are confident of setting a new benchmark for ease-of-doing-business in the country. This is not just a single window, we have opened our doors to the investors.”