KOCHI: The state government, for the first time, will implement an online, single window clearance mechanism to ease the launch of new ventures and give a push to entrepreneurship activities in the state. The Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance (KSWIFT) mechanism, to be launched in Kochi on February 11, will bring together relevant departments for expediting approvals within a stipulated timeframe, reducing and simplifying procedures and curtailing bureaucratic interventions.
The mechanism will be launched during ASCEND 2019 - an event organised by the government to showcase its business-friendly initiatives.
KSWIFT is designed to make governance more efficient, effective, transparent and user-friendly by leveraging the information technology. It will be a platform for all future transactions with the government for granting licences and approvals in a time-bound manner.
Presently, the services of 14 departments /agencies are being made available in KSWIFT, wherein all the applications can be submitted through a unified Common Application Form (CAF).
KSWIFT has features like CAF, intelligent information wizard, unified payment mechanism, time-bound clearances, digital approvals, online issue of clearances and deemed approvals and composite licences. It will enable entrepreneurs to submit all their applications online along with provisions to upload the requisite supporting documents.
To increase transparency, KSWIFT has also enabled the provision for third party verification of the entire clearance process. KSWIFT is expected to reduce the physical touch points in the clearance process, thereby making it more efficient and effective.
As a means of improving the entrepreneur-government interface, the government has constituted Investment Promotion and Facilitation Cells (IPFC) at both the state and district-level.
The mandate of the IPFC is to act as the single point of contact for investors and accord required approvals for setting up and operation of enterprises.
