Efficient and transparent access to industrial land is crucial for boosting investments, cutting project timelines, and positioning India as a competitive manufacturing hub globally, according to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The report, titled “CII Land Mission: Framework to Reform Industrial Land Management in India,” highlights the importance of addressing structural and procedural challenges in India’s industrial land system. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, stressed that India’s manufacturing goals, including Make in India and industrial corridor projects, require a predictable and transparent industrial land environment.
Industrial land serves as a fundamental resource for various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and logistics. However, the current scenario in different states is marked by fragmented processes, regulatory complexities, unclear land titles, delayed possession, and underutilization of allocated plots. These issues lead to increased capital costs, project delays, and reduced investor confidence, especially for MSMEs and new investments.
The report proposes the establishment of a unified National Industrial Land Bank, equipped with real-time data on land availability, zoning status, utilities, and environmental constraints. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and facilitate quicker investment decisions. Additionally, the report recommends implementing a digital single-window system for industrial land applications to streamline approvals, standardize documentation, and introduce clear service-level agreements.
According to TV Narendran, Chairman of CII Land Mission, the focus is not just on land acquisition but also on land readiness and utilization. The report suggests comprehensive reforms from land acquisition to utilization norms, dispute resolution, and institutional accountability. It also addresses the disparity in stamp duty and registration charges across states, proposing a uniform stamp duty for industrial land to reduce costs and ensure investment decisions are based on economic factors rather than regulatory differences.
