Single window system planned for speedy disposal of applications

Bengaluru: The State Government is planning to dispatch ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) to doorsteps of investors by implementing Single Window system consisting of State Pollution Control Board, Revenue, Transport, Forest and Ecology Departments, said Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh R. Nirani.

Addressing the Safety Workshop organised by the Stone Quarry Owners Association here on Wednesday, Nirani said single window agency is being set up to expedite the process of clearing applications for various mining proposals. This would prevent investors from running to pillar to post seeking permission. 

The speedy approval through a single window agency would help investors to start the projects and generate employment. Now, the proposed single window agency will integrate these departments for better coordination and ensure approval of projects in a smooth and time-bound manner, Nirani stated.

One-Time Settlement 

The Minister said the Government was considering the introduction of a ‘One Time Settlement’ scheme to garner revenue from penalties imposed on mine owners for mining beyond limits. “The penalties have come up to over Rs. 6,700 crore and Government doubts if this amount would be garnered. Instead, OTS scheme would bring half of the amount of Rs. 6,700 crore. The quarry owners will also be made members of settlement committees,” he said. 

 He said the Government has temporarily closed many mines which resulted in the loss of royalty and mining firms are forced to cease operations which in turn resulted in revenue loss and unemployment. 

Quarry owners not responsible for recent blasts

“We did not take any knee-jerk action against the quarry owners after the blasts despite demand from the Opposition to arrest them. I know the stress and problems faced by the quarry owners and they cannot be blamed for the recent tragic incidents. It is imperative to inject confidence among investors and other stakeholders for economic development and progress. Any ill-advised coercive action will spoil investor confidence which will affect the flow of investments and thereby affect the development of the State,” Nirani said.

New Mining Policy

The Mines and Geology Department will introduce a new mining policy. The liberalised policy will create an investor-friendly atmosphere and make Karnataka an easier place to do business.

Free sand for houses of Rs. 10 lakh and below

The State Government is planning to supply free sand to those constructing house at a cost of less than Rs. 10 lakh at Gram Panchayat limits, said Nirani. According to him, this proposal is expected to help lakhs of people constructing houses under Ashraya and other schemes. The free supply of sand to the poor in GP limits is expected to spur construction activities and revive rural economy. 

Khanija Bhavan will be set up in every district and it will help in smooth functioning of the mining sector in all the districts and ensure ease of doing business for investors, he observed.