Sri Vijaya Puram, June 12: In a significant stride towards digital public infrastructure and business facilitation, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has made 30 essential services from seven key departments available exclusively through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal. This move is expected to streamline approval processes, support local infrastructure, and promote investment readiness across the Union Territory.
The NSWS, developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is a national digital platform that centralizes application and clearance systems for both central and state/UT-level services. Its rollout in the A&N Islands marks a policy shift toward seamless, contactless governance, aligning with broader national goals of improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and digital transformation.
The District Industries Centre (DIC) confirmed that the integrated services cover sectors critical to both public utility and private enterprise, tourism, electricity, education, labour, fire safety, consumer affairs, and fisheries. These departments collectively represent a backbone for infrastructure and economic development in the islands.
Facilitating Core Infrastructure Through Digital Services
By shifting these services to a single platform, the Administration aims to reduce turnaround time and eliminate the traditional reliance on manual processes that have historically slowed public service delivery and project approvals. For instance, the Department of Electricity now accepts digital applications for both low-tension and high-tension electric connections, an essential requirement for industrial, commercial, and housing projects.
Similarly, fire clearance certificates, often critical for infrastructure construction and occupancy, are now processed entirely online by the Fire Department. The Labour Department’s digitization of approvals for factory layouts, construction, and licenses under various Acts removes significant regulatory friction for industrial and infrastructure ventures.
From a tourism infrastructure perspective, the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism has opened online permissions for film shooting, registration of scuba diving centres, sea walk operators, and tour agencies. These services are vital for the regulated expansion of adventure tourism and local enterprise while ensuring safety and quality compliance.
Education infrastructure has also been included with online applications for provisional school recognition, aiding in the establishment of educational institutions across the islands.
Consumer Affairs and Civil Supplies have digitized processes for dealer licenses and calibration services, which are essential for retail infrastructure, while the Fisheries Department now offers digital permits for fish transportation and registration of cooperatives and SHGs, supporting the rural economy and associated logistics.
Structured Interface with Compliance Mapping and Tracking
Applicants begin by registering on the NSWS portal using a mobile number and PAN-based identity verification via DigiLocker or a Digital Signature Certificate. A business profile must then be created, detailing legal structure, location, and activity type. This profile becomes the base for all application processes.
The portal includes a “Know Your Approvals” module that automatically maps all licenses and clearances needed based on the nature and scale of proposed operations. This removes uncertainty from the compliance process and helps investors plan projects with greater clarity and efficiency.
Applications are submitted through structured online forms, with real-time status tracking and digital certificate downloads. All services eliminate the need for physical visits or manual interventions.
User guides, walkthroughs, and technical documentation are publicly available on the portal (nsws.gov.in/portal/user-guide) to support new and existing users. Additionally, departmental websites are being updated to redirect users to NSWS for uniform access.
The District Industries Centre has encouraged entrepreneurs, local investors, and citizens to utilize the portal. For offline support, assistance is available at Udyog Parisar, Middle Point or via phone at 03192-232819/232601.
This integration supports the Administration’s long-term goals of building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable local industries, and enhancing administrative transparency. By reducing procedural delays and improving regulatory clarity, the A&N Islands are positioning themselves as a digitally enabled, business-ready destination in the Indian Ocean region.
