Story perspectives

Kerala CM Approves Saral Keralam Single-Window Approval Reform

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 4:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan approved the Saral Keralam reform.
The reform amends 19 laws to create a single-window “One State, One Approval, One Document” system.
Proposals worth INR25-INR50 crore are reviewed by a district body.
The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation will coordinate the approval process.
The cabinet approved two exclusive NIA courts in Ernakulam, funded by the Central Government.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Gujarat launched the Single Window Clearance system under Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays and streamline industrial approvals. The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation processed 1,200 applications, attracting $2.5 billion in investment, and created a unified portal for investors with World Bank technical assistance. Kerala’s 2024 Saral Keralam reform mirrors Gujarat’s model, consolidating 19 statutes, assigning the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and an approval authority to oversee approvals. If the district bodies manage INR25-INR50 crore projects efficiently, Kerala could replicate Gujarat’s investment surge, prompting broader national administrative reforms and stimulate job creation.

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Story summary

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan approved the Saral Keralam reform.
The reform amends 19 laws to create a single-window “One State, One Approval, One Document” system.
Proposals worth INR25-INR50 crore are reviewed by a district body.
The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation will coordinate the approval process.
The cabinet approved two exclusive NIA courts in Ernakulam, funded by the Central Government.

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