K-SWIFT Simplifies Approvals, Streamlines Procedures for Industrial Enterprises

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
As part of initiatives to improve Ease Of Doing Business (EODB) in the state, K-SWIFT (Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance) has streamlined the approval processes.

K-SWIFT, https://kswift.kerala.gov.in/index/, accelerates the initiation, operation, and growth of industries, thereby creating a more business-friendly environment by reducing bureaucratic barriers.

The innovative digital platform significantly streamlines the procedures necessary for establishing industrial enterprises.

It serves as a centralised hub for entrepreneurs to apply for approvals, monitor their application statuses, process payments, and download licenses conveniently.

The platform integrates a comprehensive array of 120 services across 22 different departments, effectively consolidating what was once a staggered process.

Investment proposals receive immediate approval through this platform, enabling quicker access to resources for new ventures.

The new framework allows Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to initiate business operations with an in-principle approval valid for three and a half years.

Businesses will no longer be required to wait for prior approvals, eliminating unnecessary delays.

Furthermore, enterprises can now use real-time application tracking and rely on standardised timelines, which enhances predictability in the approval process.

Since the revamped K-SWIFT’s launch, over 75,000 MSMEs have started operations, contributing to an impressive influx of enterprises within the sector.

Another notable improvement is that the extended validity period of the in-principle approval for MSMEs has gone up from three years to three and a half years from the date of certification.

During this timeframe, these enterprises are granted exemptions from obtaining special permissions and undergoing routine inspections, significantly reducing administrative burdens.

For industrial units not categorised as ‘Red’ by the State Pollution Control Board, automatic approval is available. In this streamlined process, self-certification is deemed sufficient.

Upon submission of their applications and associated fees, eligible enterprises can expect to receive an immediate Certificate of Approval via the K-SWIFT platform.

Additionally, by utilising the Common Application Form (CAF) available on K-SWIFT, entrepreneurs can efficiently secure multiple licenses and approvals from various departments through a single comprehensive application, further simplifying the process of starting a business in Kerala.