National Single Window System

In Context

• The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the National Single Window System (NSWS) for investors and businesses.

What is the National Single Window System (NSWS)?

• It is a one-stop digital platform that aims at allowing investors to apply for various pre-operations approvals required for commencing a business in the country. 
•  It makes the business registration process easier, allowing the beneficiary to get significant approvals online, without having to run to the government offices for approvals and can avail themselves of services with just a click. 
• Currently, the platform hosts approvals across 18 Central Departments & 9 States. Another 14 Central depts & 5 states will be added by December 2021.
• Background
  •  The Finance Minister had earlier announced an Investment Clearance Cell (ICC) in the Union Budget 2020 that will provide “end to end” facilitation & support to investors, pre-investment advisory, information related to land banks and facilitate clearances at Centre & State level.
  • The cell was proposed to operate by means of an online digital portal.
  •  Subsequently, DPIIT(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) in association with Invest India started developing the portal as a National Single Window System (NSWS).

Significance of the Portal

• This portal will help in bringing Transparency, Accountability & Responsiveness in the ecosystem.
• All information will be available on a single dashboard.
• It also provides strength to other schemes like Make in India, Startup India, PLI scheme etc.
• It will also bring in Ease of doing business & Ease of living.
• The National Single Window System is therefore a perfect example towards making India Atma Nirbhar.

Source: PIB