Patna: The Bihar Cabinet has approved a key reform aimed at streamlining industrial investment approvals by authorising the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) Secretariat as the Single Nodal Agency for granting investment-related clearances in the state.
The decision was approved under Section 10 of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Act, 2016. The Cabinet has also authorised the deputation of officers from relevant government departments to the SIPB Secretariat and empowered the board to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for processing clearances.
According to the Department of Industries, the move is intended to address administrative challenges arising from the existing multi-agency approval framework and ensure time-bound clearances for investment projects.
Centralised Clearance Mechanism
Under the new arrangement, officers deputed from various departments will function under the direct administrative control and disciplinary supervision of the Industrial Development Commissioner.
The Industrial Development Commissioner will be authorised to issue deputation orders and, when necessary, include or remove competent nodal officers from government departments and statutory bodies involved in granting approvals.
Officials said the centralised structure is expected to reduce procedural delays and improve coordination among departments responsible for investment-related permissions.
SOPs to Improve Transparency
The Cabinet has also empowered the SIPB to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for the clearance process.
The proposed SOPs are expected to establish a uniform framework for processing applications, enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in regulatory approvals.
According to the Industries Department, the new system will provide investors with a more predictable and streamlined approval mechanism.
Focus on Ease of Doing Business
The state government said the reform reflects its continued focus on strengthening industry-friendly policies and improving Bihar’s Ease of Doing Business environment.
Officials believe the measure will help accelerate the execution of investment projects, strengthen investor confidence and support industrial growth in the state.
The government said the initiative is also expected to contribute to employment generation by facilitating faster implementation of industrial and infrastructure projects.
Investment Promotion Strategy
The latest decision forms part of Bihar’s broader efforts to position itself as a competitive investment destination for domestic and international investors.
The state government said the establishment of a single nodal agency for investment clearances marks an important step towards creating a more efficient and investor-friendly regulatory ecosystem in Bihar.
