Overview

India has left behind the days of red tape and license raj with the advent of liberalisation and globalisation. The year 1991 was the water shed year in this regard. It is heartening to note that starting and operating a business in India has become significantly easier thanks to the National Single Window System (NSWS). This digital platform is designed to assist entrepreneurs and businesses in navigating the complex web of approvals required to operate within the Country. Let’s delve into what NSWS is, its features, and why it’s a game-changer for businesses.

What is NSWS?

NSWS is a comprehensive digital platform that guides users in identifying and applying for the necessary approvals based on their specific business requirements. It serves as a centralised hub for State and Central government approvals, making the process of business registration and obtaining approvals more streamlined and efficient.

Why NSWS?

The primary aim is to simplify registration by enabling online approvals, thereby eliminating the need for physical visits to various government offices. This “one-stop shop” approach enhances transparency, accountability, and responsibility within approval process.

Steps to Get Started with NSWS:

1. Registration: Create an account on the NSWS platform.
2. Sign-In:  Access your account using your login credentials.
3. PAN Verification: Complete the verification process using your Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Navigating the NSWS Dashboard and Document Repository:

The NSWS platform features five core components designed to assist user in managing their business approvals effectively:

1. My Dashboard: This central feature includes lists for both central and state approvals, categorized to help users track the status of their applications. It also allows users to apply for the same approval multiple times if needed.
2. Granted Approvals: A section where users can view all the approvals they have received.
3. My Documents: This feature facilitates the uploading and issuing of necessary documents required for applications.
4. Members: Allows users to add members and transfer account ownership.
5. Profile: Enables users to reset and update their profile information as needed.

What is KYA and Its Relevance to NSWS?

KYA (Know Your Approvals) is an integral feature of NSWS that informs businesses of all required approvals. It includes a common registration form, a document repository, and an e-communication module, with options for both central and state KYA.

Audit Reports:

Under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, audit reports for Automated Testing Stations (ATS) and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) are submitted separately through the platform.

Centre and State Approvals:

NSWS consolidates all pre-operation and pre-establishment approvals from central and state governments into a single platform. These approvals encompass regulatory, registration, and permits, significantly reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

The Importance of PESO Approval:

For businesses dealing with gases, the oil industry, or hazardous areas, obtaining PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) approval is crucial for businesses dealing with gases, the oil industry, or hazardous areas. NSWS streamlines this process, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards.

Key Schemes Under the National Single Window System:

• Vehicle Scrapping Policy
• Ethanol Policy
• Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)
• National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules under the PLI scheme
• National Green Hydrogen Mission

Users can apply for these schemes through the NSWS portal, which streamlines the approval process from both central and state authorities.

NSWS and the PM Gati Shakti Scheme:

NSWS supports the PM Gati Shakti Scheme by facilitating a single-window clearance system for Right of Way (RoW) applications in the telecom sector via the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, thereby reducing compliance complexity.

Necessity of CDSCO Approval in NSWS:

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) uses the NSWS platform to streamline the import of medical devices. CDSCO approval is mandatory for businesses related to public health, ensuring that imported medical devices meet the required safety and efficacy standards.

Foreign Investment Approvals:

NSWS also simplifies the process for foreign investment approvals, making it easier for international businesses to invest in India.

Ministries Involved:

Various ministries are involved in the NSWS platform, contributing to the ease of doing business in India by providing various approvals and clearances necessary for business operations.

The NSWS is revolutionizing the way businesses navigate regulatory requirements, fostering a more business-friendly environment and promoting ease of doing businesses in India.

• List of Ministries and Number of Approvals available on NSWS

Ministry	No. of Approvals	Ministry	No. of Approvals
Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare	34	Ministry of Health and Family Welfare	63
Ministry of Atomic Energy	32	Ministry of Home Affairs	9
Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers	2	Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs	1
Ministry of Civil Aviation	4	Ministry of Information and Broadcasting	18
Ministry of Commerce and Industry	158	Ministry of Jal Shakti	10
Ministry of communications	48	Ministry of Labor and Employment	5
Ministry of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution	25	Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises	3
Ministry of Corporate Affairs	6	Ministry of Mines	7
Ministry of Culture	9	Ministry of New and Renewable Energy	2
Ministry of Defense	8	Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas	14
Ministry of Education	5	Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways	3
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change	44	Ministry of Power	41
Ministry of Finance	55	Ministry of Railways	4
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways	7	Ministry of Science and Technology	11
Ministry of tribal Affair	1	Ministry of Textile	6
Ministry of Tourism	5	Ministry of Fisheries, animal Husbandry & Dairying	3

 

• List of Departments and Number of Approvals available on NSWS

Department	No. of Approval	Department	No. of Approval
Airport Authority of India	1	Central Ground Water Board	2
Archaeological survey of India	1	Central Transmission Utility	11
Arms Division	3	Central Water Commission	1
Border Roads Organization	1	Civil Aviation Department	1
Central Electricity Authority	13	Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare	34
Husbandry and Dairying	2	Department of Biotechnology	11
Department of Atomic Energy	32	Department of Chemical and Petrochemicals	2
Department of Commerce	55	Department of Consumer Affairs	15
Department of Economic Affairs	23	Department of Financial Services	8
Department of Environment, Forest and wildlife	44	Department of food and Public Distribution	10
Department of Fisheries	1	Department of Health and Family Welfare	5
Department of Higher Education	4	Department of Internal Security	4
Department of Revenue	24	Department of School education and Literacy	1
Department of Telecommunication	48	Department of Water Resources	7
Directorate of General of Health Services	58	Directorate of Electricity Safety	1
DPIIT	103	Indian Air Force	1

No doubt India is leading the entire world by its innumerable digital initiatives leading to enormous ease of doing business. National Single Window System is one such example. The world is taking note of India’s surge in the digital space making the lives of its populace hassle free. The day red-tape culture ends in India it will be the true homage to its long and painful struggle for freedom. 

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Authored By:

Shyam Kishor Maurya, Advocate

Co-Authored By:

Kalyani Madavi, Trainee (4th Year Student at MNLU, Mumbai)