Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has approved the launch of reforms aimed at making the government more industry-friendly and guarantee efficient public service. The Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Committee presented the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2017 and analysed the preparedness of all the departments.
The BRAP 2017 proposes 40 new services that require a new Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act (PSDGA) or an equivalent legislation.
This Act will define the competent authorities, time lines for delivery of service (clearances, approvals, licenses, renewals) and compensation to applicants in case of delay and mechanisms to appeal.
Compensation to applicants will be under a penal provision, when officers or departments miss their deadlines. “Such a provision is unheard of, and I want the people to have nothing less than a 100 % efficient government,” said Mr. Naidu.
The EODB committee has also proposed amendment to the Single Window Act (2002) and named it the Industries Services Delivery Right and Guarantee Act.
“We have a long list of industries associated with us, and it will henceforth be our responsibility to maintain good relations with them. All stakeholders must be sensitised to the new reforms, using comprehensive brochures,” he said
He said the departments should share flowers, sweets or savouries over a pleasant conversation with representatives of the companies and help renew their relationship with the government.
EODB report
As per the EODB report on the status of implementation of reforms, 245 of the 373 reforms have been implemented while 128 are under implementation. There are 33 reforms that are yet to be expedited.
Automated service restoration in industrial areas to ease the process of obtaining electricity connection, paperless courts including e-summons, e-filing, e-cause lists and e-payment of court fees and process fees and commercial dispute resolution enablers were among other issues discussed.
The Chief Minister wanted all departments to work towards implementation of the reforms at the earliest. “Officers of all departments must be made aware of the new deadlines and ensure implementation of all the reforms by August 25. The EODB committee must meet every fortnight to discuss the extent and quality of implementation,” said Mr. Naidu.
