Amaravati, April 13 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to simplify policies and procedure 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 the Ministry of Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik visited the Secretariat and discussed on the Union government’s Deregulation Phase-2 initiative with the Chief Minister and state government 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.

According to an official statement, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the progress of Phase-1 and current status of Phase-2.

Officials told that 23 priority items across seven departments have been completed under Phase-1.

Under Phase-2, 28 priority areas have been identified.

“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.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu called for the removal of outdated laws, including those dating back to the British era.

He directed officials to reduce more than 800 existing compliances to below 100 and bring down the number of licenses required for approvals to single digit.

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 per cent.

The Chief Minister directed officials to bring ordinances, if required, to implement Phase-2 reforms.

At present, businesses need around 82 different approvals.

He instructed to reduce this to 57 in a phased manner.

Similarly, building plan approvals and occupancy certificates are to be reduced from 30 to 18.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu 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, Ministry of Steel Secretary 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.

–IANS

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