KSWIFT (Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent) clearance is the new initiative by Government of Kerala towards the Ease of Doing Business in the State. Kerala that is having an enviable 100% literacy rate is basically a consumerist state. With the launch of KSWIFT government aims to create a better conducive environment for investors and improve the image of the state. This comes as the enhanced features of the Single Window Clearance Act introduced by the state way back in 1999 to enable Ease of Doing Business. The online portal of the Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent clearance mechanism is the first of this kind arrangement in the country.
Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent clearance is the result of a study undertaken to reform the key Acts, Rules and procedures that govern the issue of various clearances to investors. The online facility is introduced by the government in the wake of findings in the study to make the clearance timelines in the state more competitive and investor friendly to enable the state to compete with the top ranked states in India. This facility will reform the functioning of the current Single Window Clearance mechanism. KSWIFT is launched after streamlining various procedures and amending several acts, rules and orders to ensure fast and efficient disposal of applications for clearances. The ambitious timelines are envisaged to be met by an efficient and suitable supporting governance mechanism.
The integration of the online mechanism KSWIFT with various portals of departments / agencies concerned has been completed. KSWIFT has been integrate with the existing web portals of KSEB, Electrical Inspectorate, , SEIAA/CZMA, Labour, Mining & Geology, Water Authority, PCB, Fire & Rescue and Factories & Boilers etc. Agencies like Forests, Ground Water, Directorate of Panchayats, Directorate of Urban Affairs and Chief Town Planner etc that did not have online portal earlier have also been equipped with portals now.
A unified payment platform has been integrated with KSWIFT to enable payment of fees through digital banking modes to various departments/ agencies. Payment cards and online banking can be used to make payments. Thus, KSWIFT acts as an integrated platform for all clearances required by an investor in the state. The portal will issue both independent and composite licenses, the validity of which may vary between one and five years. Entrepreneur can also apply for deemed clearances. KSWIFT is expected to revolutionize the clearances and legislative landscape of the State.
Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) is the brain behind the web portal for application of licenses for start-ups and industries. KSWIFT will push the state towards creating an investor friendly thriving environment for enterprises and industrialists. With the launch, hassles in obtaining clearances or permits and renewals for industrial units in the state will be removed. However, applications that violate the land regulations, pollution control norms and safety standards are not envisaged to be uploaded through the portal.