The West Bengal government on Monday said that any agricultural or residential land could be converted for other purposes within a month in the State. Mutation of land for industrial units could also be done in three weeks.

In an integrated initiative, the government has simplified much of the paper work and removed procedural delays for setting up businesses in the State.

Through amendments of relevant laws and time-bound commitments for clearances, the State government said it was ready to usher in easy ways of doing business.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured the business community that right from issuing trade licences to sanctioning building plans, every statutory permission will be delivered within the prescribed timeline of 15 to 30 days.

Flanked by ministers and bureaucrats, the Chief Minister announced self-certification and self-attestation will be allowed in all transactions with the government henceforth.

Around 400 relationship managers, newly appointed by industrial development wings, will facilitate businesses, she added. Among other measures was the exemption of pollution control certificates in case of a new electricity connection.

‘Positive message’ Reacting to the new initiatives, CII President Sumit Mazumdar said that the West Bengal government has already brought about transparency and efficiency by extending e-governance in many areas of interface with the business community. “These new set of measures would make things easier for setting up businesses in the State,” he added. “Chief Minister has sent out a very positive message for industry and business,” said Alok Roy, President of Bengal Chamber. As a commitment towards the right to services, the State will issue NOCs within 15 days for building plans under the West Bengal Town Country (Planning and Development) Act. “If it is not issued within 15 days, then it would considered as deemed to be approved,” said Amit Mitra, Finance Minister.

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