In the wake of delay in several steel projects and scams in allocating natural resources, the draft national steel policy suggests introduction of an online single e-window clearance for projects.
The involvement of a large number of agencies in project clearances is considered to be a major hurdle in creation of green field steel capacities.
According to the policy, the government will consider introduction of a transparent and easy system for submission and tracking of status of applications for grant of resources or clearances from multiple governmental agencies through introduction of an online single e-window in consonance with national e-governance plan.
It may be noted that steel projects, including those planned by ArcelorMittal, Posco and many others, worth around Rs 3 lakh crore could not take off because of various issues such as land acquisition and delay in environmental clearances, among others.
Another major hurdle is “strong social resistance to land acquisition and conversion of agricultural land to industrial land even at adequate offer of monetary compensation and securitisation of employment of the displaced directly or indirectly”, the draft policy notes.
Suggesting enhancement of the powers of the existing Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) for more effective co-ordination to cut delays in project implementation and resolution of conflicts, it expressed hope that the new land Acquisition Act, R&R Policy and provisions of the proposed MMDR Act will address the issues soon.
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