The government of India embarked on a mission to improve the country’s business environment, and initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes were designed to attract investment and boost domestic manufacturing. However, the success of these programs is dependent upon the process from application to approval. The process of obtaining business approvals in our country is not an easy task. For example, if an entrepreneur is looking to set up a manufacturing unit, they would have to interact with multiple agencies. This includes various Central and State agencies for land allocation, licences, utility connections, and other requirements. Even online options are available, but they involve interacting with multiple portals, repetitive data submissions, high compliance requirements, etc.

The need for a national platform was uppermost, which could integrate both the centre and state-level clearance for investors. The idea of a single window system needs significant attention. In the budget speech 2020-21, the finance minister announced the establishment of the Investment Clearance Cell (ICC), which will provide end-to-end facilitation to the investors, including a seamless process for obtaining all necessary clearances. The Government of India introduced a digital platform called the National Single Window System or NSWS to simplify the process of obtaining Regulatory approvals and registrations in India. The National Single Window System (NSWS) became a digital milestone of this vision.

What is National Single Window System or NSWS?

The National Single Window System (NSWS) is a one-stop digital platform that aims to allow investors to apply for various pre-operation approvals required for commencing a business in India. It makes the business registration process easier and allows the applicant to get all relevant approvals online. The NSWS is a digital platform to guide potential users in identifying and applying for approvals according to their business needs. In other words, NSWS is a one-stop shop for State and Central government compliances and ensures transparency, accountability and responsiveness in the ecosystem. It is a strong pillar of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the government and a critical enabler of India’s ambition of Viksit Bharat.

Why NSWS?

The aim of NSWS is to serve as a digital platform that acts as a guide for investors to identify and apply for approvals as per their business requirements. The purpose behind the NSWS is to ease the process of applying for all approvals and registrations in India through a single location. The objectives behind the establishment of the National Single Window System are as follows:

To create a single point of contact: To serve as the single digital interface between government and business for all regulatory approvals, and to provide a one-stop shop for procuring pre-establishment approvals. Previously, businesses had to interact with multiple government ministries, departments and state agencies for the approval process.

To eliminate Information imbalance: To provide the investors with clear, accessible, and detailed information about all the approvals required for their business.
To enhance transparency and accountability: NSWS promotes transparency by providing clear information on required approvals, fee details and also allows real-time tracking of applications status and ensuring turnaround time (TAT).
To foster a positive investment environment: To attract all the investors (domestic and global) and truly make the concept of Ease of Doing Business successful. Also, to provide a uniform and seamless experience to our business users.
To prevent duplication of data: To develop a system where all the information and documents are submitted only once.

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