Transparency appears to be the key word for the new Government. Prakash Javadekar, who took charge Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday, introduced new online forms for submission of applications, which, he said, would help the Ministry function in a more transparent manner.

Javadekar, who holds dual charge of the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Environment and Forests, said the move would ensure transparency in the application process, along with easy communication between the applicants and the Ministry.

Along with online applications, the Ministry will monitor status of applications in the real-time, and ensure speedy decisions.

Javadekar, who met at least 100 director-level officials of the Ministry, earlier in the day, to review operations, announced his intention to bring down the maximum time for clearances to 60 days eventually.

In the past, lack of communication and gap in ambitions between the Union Environment Ministry and State departments has been blamed for delays. However, Javadekar said he would call for a conference with all State Environment and Forest Ministers to ensure cooperation.

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