The Assam government has set up a single window clearance system at all district headquarters to help potential investors and to eradicate corruption. This single window clearance system will enable potential investors to apply online for all the clearance certificates and no objection certificates. The new government has introduced the Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill 2016 in the House on June 3 this year, which was passed subsequently. The Bill envisages to constitute an Assam Bureau of Investment Promotion (ABIP) and creation of a single window clearance system to boost investment in the state.

The government has also taken steps to create a land bank with government surplus land within 100 days which will help in consideration of investment proposals from potential investors. The government will also request the state revenue and public enterprise departments to hand over unused lands to the industry department so that the government can actively consider investment proposals.

Did You Know?

• Assam is India’s first state where AFSPA was imposed.
• Assam was not part of any prominent Indian kingdom until the British occupied the region in the Anglo-Burmese War 1824-26.
• The state is believed to be home to the largest number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
• A fourth of India’s oil reserves are located in the Assam-Arakan basin.
• The world’s largest riverine island, Majuli on the Brahmaputra, is located in Assam.