The new industrial policy is set to lay thrust on setting up industrial clusters promoted by private entrepreneurs and trade bodies and also make a concerted effort for bailing out sick public sector undertakings.
Law Department sources told The Hindu here that the draft policy drawn up for preliminary discussions among top government functionaries had defined the role of the government as a key facilitator that provided the requisite amenities at private clusters or estates proposed by the private promoters or trade bodies and support them to do business sans hurdles.
At the same time the government would play a proactive role in strengthening the public sector too.
All mandatory clearances for setting up units in the clusters will be issued within a stipulated time, not more than 30 days, and if any agency or department fails to honour the deadline, it will be deemed as awarded.
The highlight of the proposed policy is that the State will be able to project itself as a prime destination for doing business with ease and also lure investors from the within the country and abroad.
Due importance will be given for lending life blood for the revival and development of the public sector undertakings gasping for survival.
Promotion of the private sector will not be at the expense of the public sector and the government will not deflect from the commitment to sustain the public sector through revival packages that are already being considered at different tiers of the Industries Department.
Mergers and packages to bale out sick units through financial restructuring packages will be considered for sustaining the public sector, the sources said.
More teeth will be given to the Kerala Single Window Clearance Boards and Industrial Township Area Development Act, 1999, to obviate the delay in according approvals for investments. Departments, government agencies, and local governments will be held accountable for issuing the clearances and those failing to abide by the norms will be made accountable for the lapses.
After a thorough official scrutiny, the draft policy will be placed for political clearance and also consultations with stakeholders before finalisation, the sources said.
