KOCHI: Kerala, with the dubious distinction of being one of the most difficult states for doing business, is set to change the image by undertaking a series of corrective measures. Mr Paul Antony, additional chief secretary, industries and power, and Ms M. Beena, managing director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, told reporters on Monday that the measures adopted by the government would end the 'stop memo raj' and many other practices. According to Mr Antony, the system of issuing stop memo by local bodies for manufacturing units having all statutory clearances will be done away.
In the event of any complaint, the authorities concerned will seek an expert opinion and take a decision. The idea is to end the arbitrary stop memo raj, he said. Under the new regulation, stop memos or prohibitory notices can be issued only in the event of the establishment concerned failing to take the corrective measures suggested by the expert within a stipulated time. The rules are in force from the last week of October. But some of the local department authorities continued to issue stop memos to some units, Mr Antony said.
Another major initiative is the online approval for the construction of residential and commercial buildings. The applications, using CAD format, will be approved online within two hours after the submission, Mr Antony and Ms Beena said. The intelligent software used for the purpose will reject a plan if it fails to comply with the municipal building rules. The project will be launched on a pilot basis at the Varkala municipality and Kochi corporation areas, Ms Beena said. The online approvals will be backed by on-site verifications. The KSIDC has prepared a report after undertaking a study on the modification needed to be made in the existing rules and regulations and clearance procedures. The cabinet has approved the report and the government is expected to announce a policy based on the new changes.
