KOCHI:
Planning to build a house in Kerala and clueless when you would get the permits?
That worry will soon be a thing of the past, as the state government launched today an Intelligent Building Plan Management System (IBPMS) that provides single-point, integrated and holistic online development permissions to applicants in specified timelines for ease of doing business (EODB).
Minister for Industries and Commerce, E P Jayarajan launched the system at ASCEND Kerala 2019 that aims to showcase Kerala as a top-notch investment destination.
“Building permission is critical in starting an enterprise. The introduction of the online system will facilitate quick clearances. Permits will now be available in 30 days of the application,” after its launch during the second breakout session on ‘Operationalising Ease of Doing Business Through LSGIs’.
The Minister also gave away certificates to four beneficiaries of Thrissur Corporation, which is the first local body in Kerala to implement this system.
Additional Chief Secretary (LSGD) T K Jose detailed the efforts taken by the government for ease of doing business in the state. This included the formulation of the Kerala Investment Promotion & Facilitation Act, 2018 that revised seven redundant laws. “Only two documents are now needed for getting a trade licence in Kerala: an identity proof and lease deed or legal occupancy certificate,” he added.
KSIDC Managing Director Dr Sharmila Mary Joseph, who is Secretary, Industries, said the Kerala’s EODB index was 47.4 per cent. With the launch of K-SWIFT, IBPMS and InvestKerala portal at ASCEND2019 today, the EOBD has risen to 62.8 per cent.
The government’s efforts on entrepreneurship promotion won the appreciation of industry bodies including CII, FICCI and Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA), which praised the initiatives to promote ease of doing business and ease of running a business in Kerala.
The other speakers at the breakout session were CII former Chairman (Kerala State Region) P Ganesh; FICCI Member Baby Mathews, KSSIA former State President Damador Avannoor, Directorate of Urban Affairs Director R Girija and Department of Town and Country Planning Chief Town Planner K S Girija.
A valedictory session that ensued noted that the day-long proceedings acknowledged a positive change that has happened in recent years in Kerala as an investment destination. Minister Jayarajan, speaking to delegates, said Kerala looks forward to ascend from its present EODB index to 95 per cent next year.
