Green board's 'faceless portal' to cut red tape, graft

Bengaluru: In a move to bring in transparency and curb corruption, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) launched a ‘faceless service’ where industries and establishments will get the necessary clearances without the need for middlemen.

Launching the software module on Monday, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said applications will now be processed in 30 days and the unnecessary delays that dogged the projects will be a thing of the past.

“The new software will complement the ease of doing business in Karnataka without the need for middlemen. KSPCB will also focus on sustainable development,” he said, adding that officials will focus on inspecting the industries to ensure compliance.

Previously, KSPCB officials had faced allegations of corruption by deliberately delaying the mandatory clearances like consent for establishment (CFE) and consent for operation (CFO).

CFEs and CFOs are issued based on the State-level Enforcement Committee’s decisions.

Till now, the committee met physically to deliberate on the reports sent by the regional officers on the industry/construction proposals.

“In the new system, the meeting will happen virtually. Seven days prior to the meeting, the agenda will be circulated and the members have to provide their opinion. Their opinion automatically leads to the deliberation and the clearance certificates can be generated within minutes after the meeting,” a senior official explained.

By eliminating the delays, the software is expected to enable easy access to clearances.

In October 2023, it was revealed that KSPCB was sitting on over 1,400 project proposals, prompting the

government to announce a committee to expedite approvals.