Govt push to simplify land allotment process for tourism projects
Bhubaneswar: In a fillip to the troubled tourism industry laid low by the novel coronavirus-induced lockdown, the state government on Friday eased land allotment provisions to encourage investment in the sector.
The provisions were given the green light after an amendment to the Odisha Tourism Policy, 2016, was approved during a state cabinet headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
“As per the amendment, Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) will now identify, acquire and allot land for tourism and hotel projects from its land bank,” said an official source. Earlier, district authorities were also authorised to allot land for tourism projects.
“There were certain anomalies in land allotment procedure which has been simplified now,” chief secretary Asit Tripathy. “Approval of a single window committee headed by the chief secretary for allotment of land will be considered final now,” he added.
The cabinet also approved amendment in the Factories Act, 1948, which is as per the advice of the Union government.
Non-hazardous factories employing 20 or more workers (but less than 50) will now require a one-time registration. Such factories will also be exempted from paying fees, plan approval, licence renewal and regular inspection except while dealing with complaints or in case of accidents.
Overtime limit in factories has been increased from 75 hours to 115 hours per quarter. The amendment also allowed engagement of women workers, with consent, between 7 pm to 6 am in factories subject to certain conditions like adequate security and welfare measures. Also, many petty offences have been compounded with provisions of fine in lieu of prosecution, the government said in an official statement.
An ordinance is likely to be promulgated to enforce the amendments, said an official source.
The cabinet also approved an amendment to the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, with an aim to create a hassle-free business environment.
“Both the amendments in factories law and industrial disputes law are aimed at creating conducive business environment in the state,” said a senior official.
Among others, the cabinet also approved a proposal to bring the Odisha Renewal Energy Development Agency (OREDA) under the administrative control of the state energy department from the science and technology department.
“The move will help in better management, sectoral development and optimal functioning of renewable energy. It also aims to draw investment in renewable energy sector in the state,” said the chief secretary.
The cabinet also gave post-factor approval to two ordinances, which has already been promulgated by the state government to boost farm economy. The Odisha Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (promotion and facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, and the Odisha Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Services (promotion and facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, are the two ordinances which received cabinet nod. The state government’s recent decision to increase VAT on petrol and diesel also got cabinet approval.
EoM