HYDERABAD: In a move that will significantly up the ease of doing business (EoDB) quotient for the state’s food service sector, the Telangana government on Tuesday unveiled a first-of-its-kind single-window application for industry in the country through its TS-iPASS (Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self Certification System) portal.

This makes Telangana the first state in the country to roll out the single window application for the sector. The move will streamline the process of issuing licences through the single window, cutting down time for clearances from the earlier window of about eight months to just 15 days.

And it is not just restaurants, bars, and food outlets that will be able to apply for clearances through the TS-iPASS portal, even kiosks, bakeries, cafes, and cloud kitchens will be able to do it.

The crucial announcement was made during the one-day National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) conclave that was held outside Delhi for the first time and hosted by the newly set up Hyderabad chapter of the association. The conclave also saw state’s food service sector mop up investment commitments to the tune of 500 crore.

NRAI national president Kabir Suri said with the demands of the changing demographics and evolving consumer behaviour and preferences are transforming the F&B industry. The conclave saw participation by over 1,000 delegates and bureaucrats from across the country.