Govt introduces Web Based System for Online Processing of Application for ICD/CFS/AFS

New Delhi, Aug 19 (KNN) Simplifying the process for companies to set up an Inland Container Depot/ Container Freight Station (CFS)/Air Freight Station (AFS), government has come up with Web Based System for Online Processing of application for ICD/CFS/AFS.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry said the improved procedure is aimed at ensuring a speedier and more transparent approval process.

The companies will now be able to make their application online and view its progress/update on-line, without a visit to any government office.

Also this is a pioneer attempt as a major Inter-Ministerial IT application rather than a mere Intra-Ministerial IT initiative.

The approval process for setting up an ICD/CFS/AFS involves many departments. This is facilitated through an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) which consists of officials from Ministries of Commerce, Finance (Dept. of Revenue), Railways and Shipping.

If required, the view of the respective State Government is also sought. This IMC is housed in the Department of Commerce which is mandated to act as a single window for the approval process.

In the current process the applicant submits as many as ten physical copies of the application form with the requisite documents to the Infrastructure Division at Department of Commerce (DoC), New Delhi, besides one copy with the Jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs.

 The current process of examination of the application is very cumbersome and the application form is very bulky with the ancillary material running into almost 500-1000 pages.