BENGALURU: Karnataka government will set up a single-window agency to issue no-objection certificates (NoCs) to start mines and quarries within three months of receiving the application, Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh R. Nirani said here on Wednesday.

Addressing the safety workshop organised by the Stone Quarry Owners Association here, he said the liberalised mining policy will create an investor-savvy atmosphere and make Karnataka an easier place to do business- "I am your representative and I will take your grievances to the Chief Minister and get them redressed," he added.

"Now the proposed single-window agency will integrate these departments for better coordination and ensure approval of projects in a smooth and time-bound manner," Nirani said.

On the single-window agency to expedite the process of applications for various mining proposals, he said: "This move is expected to get rid of red-tapism and boost the ease of doing business in the sector. The speedy approval through a single-widow agency will help investors start the projects and generate employment." At present, investors in the minor minerals sector like sand, stone and granite have to get NOCs from various departments such as Revenue, Forest and the Pollution Control Board to start their ventures.

He also added that the government was considering introduce 'One Time Settlement' (OTS) scheme to garner the revenue from penalties imposed on the mine owners for mining beyond limits.

He said the government has temporarily closed many mines which resulted in the loss of royalty and mining firms are forced to cease operations which in turn resulted in revenue loss and unemployment.

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