Kerala – Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance Registration is a new initiative by Government of Kerala to promote the new business in Kerala. Kerala government introduce a new Single Window Clearance Act to enable Ease of Doing Business way back in 1999. The online clearance mechanism (SWIFT) is aimed at facilitating clearances from various government departments / agencies concerned for setting up and running of an enterprise in the State of Kerala. To cater this need, Single Window Clearance Boards have been constituted at State, District and Industrial Park levels. Investment Promotion and Facilitation Cells are set up at the State and District levels to address investor queries and grievances. Now new entrepreneurs can start their business in the State of Kerala whose investment is below 10 Crore by obtaining a K – SWIFT Registration provided by the District Industries Center (DIC).
Any person who intends to start an enterprise in the State of Kerala other than those not included as ‘Red Category’ by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board may eligible to file unified Common Application Form (CAF) under K-SWIFT. The CAF application under K-SWIFT is to be file only through online. The applicant can itself file the forms without the support of a third party. The K-SWIFT Registrations application forms are very simple to fill and easy to understand.
The validity period of K-SWIFT Acknowledgement Certificate is 3 years. The applicant / enterprise must obtain appropriate approvals, registrations and clearances from the concerned departments within 6 month from the date of completion by the effective period of Acknowledgement Certificate. The various registrations required to obtain after the completion of K-SWIFT is D & O Trade License, Shop and Establishment License, Legal Metrology License etc.
An application fees calculated at the rate 0.01% of the total project cost is required to be paid by the applicant for submitting Self Certification under K-SWIFT CAF Application.
Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance (K-SWIFT) will be the platform for all future transactions with the Government on the issue of granting licences and approvals in a time bound manner. Presently, the services of the following 14 Departments / Agencies are being made available in KSWIFT, wherein all the applications can be submitted through a unified Common Application Form (CAF).
The various departments come under the K-SWIFT Programs are :
The entrepreneurs are also eligible for incentives provided by the state government. The name of this scheme is ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT SCHEME (ESS). The ESS aims to merge and replace all the previous schemes titled the Entrepreneur Support Scheme 2012 to be operated in the State of Kerala. All MSMEs engaged in manufacturing activities are eligible for assistance. The scheme is operational w.e.f. 01.04.2012.
Objectives of Scheme
1st stage – Startup Support
The Startup support is provided for enterprises prior to commencement of commercial production. The assistance is limited to 50% of the total eligible support limited to Rs 3 lakhs on sanctioning the term loan from the bank.
2nd stage – Investment Support
Investment Support is provided after the commencement of commercial production. The entrepreneurs shall apply within one year from the date commencement of production. Enterprises undertaking Expansion, Diversification and Modernization are also eligible for invest support.
3rd stage – Technology Support
Technology Support after commencing production on acquiring new technology. Shall apply for technology support within 6 months from the date of commencement after installing the new technology form authorized agencies.
Source : http://www.kswift.kerala.gov.in/