Simplify policies to ensure speedy setting up of industries, AP CM tells officials

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to simplify policies to ensure speedy setting up of industries in the state. He emphasised the need to eliminate unnecessary laws and regulations to create a more business-friendly environment.

A Central delegation led by Secretary, Ministry of Steel Sandeep Poundrik visited Secretariat on Monday and discussed on Government of India's Deregulation Phase-2 initiative with the Chief Minister and officials.

The discussions focused on accelerating industrial approvals, simplifying procedures and easing regulatory burdens. Officials made presentations outlining the reforms already implemented by the state, along with future action plans. The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of Phase-1 and current status of Phase-2.

Officials informed that 23 priority items across 7 departments have been completed under Phase-1. Under Phase-2, 28 priority areas have been identified. Out of 47 recommendations, 18 have already been implemented, with the target to complete all by May 31.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to reduce complexities in the approval process and significantly improve speed. He called for the removal of outdated laws, including those dating back to the British era.

He directed officials to reduce over 800 existing compliances to below 100 and bring down the number of licences required for approvals to single digits. At the same time, he emphasised that there should be no compromise on public safety and environmental protection.

His suggestions include promoting third-party inspections to avoid unnecessary harassment, eliminating duplicate licensing systems, providing lifetime validity for business registrations. Introducing simplified, state-specific fire safety norms instead of the National Building Code. He also made it clear that the entire approval process should be made fully online. Post Phase-2 implementation, the time required for setting up industries should be reduced by at least 40 percent.
The Chief Minister directed officials to bring ordinances, if required, to implement Phase-2 reforms.

Currently, businesses need around 82 different approvals. He instructed to reduce this to 57 in a phased manner. Similarly building plan approvals and occupancy certificates to be reduced from 30 to 18.

The Chief Minister also emphasised on faster land allocation in industrial parks and clusters, single nodal agency for all approvals and simplification in sectors like fire safety, environment, power, tourism, education and health.

He said platforms like Mee Seva, Single Desk Portal, and WhatsApp Governance (Mana Mitra) will be leveraged to deliver seamless services to citizens and businesses.

Appreciating the state's proactive reforms, Secretary, Ministry of Steel Sandeep Poundrik said that Andhra Pradesh is progressing ahead of central recommendations in deregulation. He expressed confidence that the state will successfully implement Phase-2 within the stipulated timeline.

The Chief Minister reiterated the 'Nation First' approach and said such reforms are crucial for nation-building. He noted that the state has moved from 'Ease of Doing Business' to 'Speed of Doing Business.' He also urged the central team to simplify forest laws further.

On Deregulation Phase-3, Poundrik stated that it will begin from June. The Chief Minister suggested prioritizing advanced technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence tools, in the next phase.
He also highlighted the state's use of digital systems such as Data Lake, Real-Time Data Governance, CFMS, AWARE 2.0 and WhatsApp Governance in driving reforms.