Question : NATIONAL INVESTMENT BOARD FOR CLEARANCES



(a) whether the Ministry has expressed reservations regarding the proposed establishment of the National Investment Board to grant environmental clearances for large investment projects in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Ministry proposes to amend the existing procedure for clearances for large infrastructure projects;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN):

(a) & (b): Ministry of Finance had circulated a Draft Cabinet Note for inter-Ministerial consultations, proposing for constitution of National Investment Board. Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has forwarded their comments on the proposal to the Ministry of Finance.

(c) to (e): Various statutory clearance cases being dealt by MoEF are processed as per the provisions under the respective statutes. Appropriate procedures for dealing with clearance cases, including those for large infrastructure projects under different statutes already exist.