But why did that happen? Why did these entities fail in executing the lease deed by not going ahead with the setting up of their units despite the necessary approval? Let alone going ahead with executing the deed, these entities have not even bothered to respond. Even though the authorities claim that there are nearly 4500 applications in line for the allocation of land for the establishment of industrial units in J&K, bringing in an investment of Rs 3000 crore and a market that generates 7000 jobs, they should focus on the factors that have made the process almost impossible for 586 entities to complete.
There is no doubt that the Government has tried its best in ensuring that the application process is made hassle-free in this regard by setting up Single Window Clearance System, but it appears that the technological interventions brought in to speed up the process have not been able to take it to completion: it is something which is largely determined by the favourable conditions, as well as the best-suited qualifying parameters which appear to be missing in case of J&K which is eyeing to become a receptive industrial investment destination from a land constrained one by building up industrially viable land into the highly structured land bank.
The qualifying criteria are bizarre as well, as per which, specific points are to be allocated to several parameters which include proposed investment by the entity, direct employment potential, assessment of environmental impact and nature of the industry. The points scored in these parameters would determine how much and where exactly the land sought by the entities would be provided. But even those who scored well did not get the suitable land, prompting them not to go ahead with it, and, in a way, calling it off, simply by not responding and keeping the execution of the lease deed in abeyance.
There is a need for the Government to take a liberal view of the entire process from the beginning; from the qualifying criteria further to the execution of the lease deed because for completing the agreement, the units have to literally start constructing the required buildings and putting the orders for the machinery and other necessary equipment: in case they do not, the land allotted goes directly for cancellation, apart from other rigid factors. The administration needs to review the qualifying criteria; make them more flexible so that those who are willing to invest in J&K do not change their decision but rather help the Government realize its dream being nurtured for a long time.
