The Telangana government has set a time limit for processing and disposal of applications for industrial projects under the “Right to Clearances” clause incorporated in the Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self Certification System (TS-iPASS) Act, 2014.
Officials now have to clear the projects in 30 days if the investment involved is less than Rs. 200 crore and 15 days if the proposed capital expenditure is above Rs. 200 crore.
The government will suo motu levy penalty at the rate of Rs. 1,000 a day on any official found to be responsible for the delay in clearing projects. The penalty will be imposed till approval is accorded or reason for rejection or delay in approval is furnished.
In the case the total amount of such penalty exceeds Rs 25,000, it will be reported to The Telangana State Wide Investment Facilitation Board (T-SWIFT).
The State government believes that the unique feature, which is on the lines of the Right to Information, would act as a deterrent on any official found to be deliberately delaying disposal of a proposal.
The nodal agencies of the State government will track processing of the applications online and if there is delay in according clearance to the project within the stipulated time, a penalty will be imposed on the official concerned.
Under the TS-iPASS, an applicant has the right to ask the nodal agency either in writing or online for approval or seek explanation for the delay in approvals, if they are not issued within the time limit and where clearances are not pending with agencies other than the State government.
The nodal agency will seek a report from the department concerned within two working days. The department should either process the application immediately or furnish proper reason for delay within the next five days from the date of receipt of the notice.
If the department concerned fails to give a decision on the request for information within five days, penalty will be levied on the officer concerned.
The State Industries Secretary, Arivind Kumar, told The Hindu that it was not contingent upon the applicant to file a complaint and the State government would take action on its own.
At the district level, the Collector will take such action and at the State level the Industry Secretary will impose the penalties.
If there is delay in granting clearance to the project, a penalty will be imposed on the official concerned
