Kolkata, Nov. 9 -- The Suvendu Adhikari government is planning to eliminate bureaucratic delays at the administrative level to attract more investment to West Bengal. To curb unnecessary delays caused by red-tapism, the government is introducing fixed timelines for specific tasks.

The new system will allow investors to know how long a particular process is expected to take and track its current status. Nabanna sources said it would also help monitor whether work is completed within the stipulated timeframe. Senior officials will be able to identify exactly where a project is stuck and why the required clearances are pending.

The state government had earlier announced that all processes, from the initiation to the completion of a project, would be handled through a single-window portal. Under the system, investors can submit applications online and make the necessary payments through a dedicated mechanism. Once an application is received, the government will scrutinise it and notify the applicant of any deficiencies within seven days. The concerned department will clearly specify whether additional documents or information are required, ensuring that investors do not face indefinite delays after submitting project proposals.

Once all application-related formalities are completed, the government will issue the Letter of Intent (LoI) within 30 days. This will formally register the project, finalise its baseline details and specify the conditions and policy provisions governing government benefits. The LoI will remain valid for three years. Even if a subsequent government amends existing policies, benefits already committed to an investor will remain unchanged. However, once the validity expires, the entire process will have to be initiated afresh.

Until commercial production begins, companies must upload quarterly progress reports on the portal, allowing the government to monitor their projects. Within six months of commencing production, companies must apply for the benefits promised by the state government. The government will issue a Certificate of Eligibility within 45 days, specifying the benefits an investor is entitled to receive and the maximum limits applicable to them.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.