TN Sets 21-Day Approval Limit as Investment Pledges Cross ₹1 Lakh Crore

The Tamil Nadu government will introduce a 21-day deadline for granting industrial approvals, licences, and no-objection certificates, with applications deemed approved if clearances are not issued within that timeframe, Industries Minister S. Keerthana announced in Chennai on Thursday.

Speaking at the Vetri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026, Keerthana announced the establishment of a Tamil Nadu Investor Promotion Commission, headed by the chief secretary, to fast-track major projects involving investments of Rs. 200 crore or more, or those generating employment for at least 5,000 people.

At the conclave, fresh memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed for 97 projects worth Rs. 67,542 crore, which are projected to create more than 1 lakh jobs. With these agreements, cumulative investment commitments secured during the first 100 days of the government have crossed Rs. 1 lakh crore, generating over 1.2 lakh employment opportunities.

Keerthana said the administration is strengthening the Tamil Nadu single window portal and transitioning to a seamless digital approval system to make the investment environment faster and more predictable.

The minister noted that the state is targeting high-value sectors to broaden its industrial foundation, including advanced manufacturing, electronics, semiconductors, life sciences, renewable energy, aerospace, research and development, and global capability centres. She added that these efforts align with Tamil Nadu's target of building a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

Highlighting a balance of greenfield and brownfield investments, Keerthana said new projects demonstrated fresh investor interest, while expansions showed existing companies' confidence in the state's workforce and infrastructure.

Urging industry representatives to share challenges and recommend policy improvements, Keerthana said the state's investment strategy aims to balance the interests of investors and workers while minimising friction for entrepreneurs setting up operations in Tamil Nadu.