THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Assembly witnessed a legislative step toward transforming the state's industrial climate with the introduction of the Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approvals and Licensing (SARAL) Keralam Bill, 2026.
Addressing lawmakers during the introduction, Minister PK Kunhalikutty said the legislation is designed to overhaul industrial clearance channels by replacing fragmented red tape with an integrated statutory system anchored on the core principles of one state, one approval, and one document.
He defended the bill against criticism that it might override established legal frameworks or erode local authority. He clarified that the measure does not infringe upon existing laws or strip powers from local bodies, but rather serves as a structural refinement to eradicate historical shortcomings in earlier single-window frameworks.
Under the proposed statutory authority framework, projects involving investments of twenty-five crore rupees at the district level and fifty crore rupees at the state level will be processed uniformly.
The system legally binds designated authorities-headed by District Collectors and the Chief Secretary, to complete evaluations and issue mandatory clearances within a strict maximum window of seventy-five days.
Emphasising the economic urgency, the Minister noted that Kerala has rapidly transitioned into a premier investment hotspot. Propelled by a skilled knowledge society, advanced technological capabilities, and strategic logistical advantages such as the Vizhinjam port project, the state can no longer afford procedural delays that force prospective entrepreneurs to look elsewhere.
Proponents stressed that failing to modernize regulatory processes risks squandering critical opportunities for future generations.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan urged the opposition to reciprocate the stance taken by him as the Leader of Opposition during the previous government to attract investment.
CPM MLA Saji Cherian responded stating that his party would support the initiatives to improve the investment climate in the state. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan referred the bill to the subject committee for detailed review.
