TG-iPASS 2.0 to be single digital platform for 96 approvals

The Telangana government is set to integrate nearly 96 different approvals into a single digital platform called TG-iPASS 2.0. This integration will cover approvals for commercial, educational, clinical, and other types of establishments. Director of Industries Nikhil Chakravarthy revealed this plan during a seminar held as part of National Paper Day.

The new system emphasizes the speed of doing business, with industries expected to receive approvals within 30 days. If this deadline is missed, the establishment will be considered approved without the required documentation. Telangana has already been recognized for its ease of doing business under this model. For industries with minimal environmental impact, such as green and white category industries, the government aims to allow businesses to commence operations immediately while still allowing time for post-establishment approvals.

The government is working towards securing statutory backing for this framework to further enhance its appeal for businesses. Chakravarthy emphasized the government's commitment to being pro-commerce, pro-trade, and pro-merchant, and called on paper industry stakeholders to embrace innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement to remain globally competitive.

During the seminar, the Federation of Paper Traders Association and the Telangana Paper Merchants’ Association discussed the evolving paper trade and the need to reduce GST on paper and paperboard packaging from 18% to 5%.