New Delhi: Amid the government's big thrust on 'ease of doing business', Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said he felt "ashamed" that his own ministry had to wait nine months to get approvals for a 'simple automated parking lot'.
Mr Gadkari, who has been very keen on this project, expressed anguish over this delay at its foundation laying ceremony at Transport Bhawan near Parliament House, prompting his colleague and Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu to promise a one-month cap on grant of all such permissions.
Mr Naidu said the ease of approvals is equally important to translate "ease of doing business" into reality and the government is very serious in this direction.
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Mr Gadkari said the automated parking plaza will most likely be inaugurated by Prime Minister and added that he felt ashamed whenever Prime Minister wanted to know the progress as despite being a government agency, it took nine months for the Highways Ministry to get approvals from different ministries.
"It took nine months for just clearance to a project, construction will take another nine months. On the one side, you are talking about ease of doing business and on the other ease of approvals is another important aspect. We had a couple of meetings (with different ministries) and at the end of it now we have come out with a plan that entire permission has to be given in 30 days," Mr Naidu said.
He further said congestion is a major problem in Delhi and Mr Gadkari's innovative idea should inspire other ministries including the Railways Ministry to work in this direction.
Mr Naidu further said Railway Ministry should follow this example because they are wasting a lot of public space.
"Prime Minister stresses to transform India...Make In India, Skill India, Digital India, Clean India, Start Up Stand Up so many initiatives are there...Prime Minister wants entire secretariat complex in one building," Mr Naidu said and stressed that there was urgent need to work to simplify procedures.
"Putting into action is an important aspect... The initiative by Gadkari will serve as a light house for other ministries... That will be a model for other ministries and other agencies also. They should learn how to make use of land," he said.
