In a step to regain investor trust and improve its image after recent corruption allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government is drafting a fresh policy to revamp Invest UP, the state’s primary agency for promoting and facilitating investments. The policy overhaul comes after serious allegations were levelled against former CEO Abhishek Prakash, who was accused of demanding a 5 per cent commission on a proposed Rs 8,000 crore solar project by a Punjab-based investor.
Officials say the proposed draft aims to create a faster, more transparent, and industry-inclusive investment ecosystem, aligning with the government’s larger goal of turning Uttar Pradesh into a top destination for both domestic and global investments.
Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ shared that a fresh draft policy for Invest UP is currently in the works. He stated that the upcoming policy will be more aligned with investor needs, ensuring time-bound approvals and enabling industry leaders to have a say through their inclusion in the agency’s Governing Board.
The inclusion of industry stakeholders in the governing structure is being seen as a major reform step. According to the proposed draft policy, Invest UP’s Governing Board will feature direct participation from leading entrepreneurs and investors, nominated by the Chief Minister. These members will represent various regions of the state including Paschimanchal, Poorvanchal, Madhyanchal, and Bundelkhand, bringing localized industry insights into the policy-making process.
One of the key features of the new policy is a provision for provisional approval within 15 days based on self-certification submitted by the investor. This step is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays that often derail or slow down large-scale investment projects. “To avoid the usual last-minute queries and bottlenecks, a grievance resolution mechanism is also being introduced. This system will track the status and timelines of approvals,” said a senior official associated with the drafting process. The objective is to ensure that procedural hurdles do not become a deterrent for serious investors.
Given that land allotment is often the most contentious aspect of industrial project development, the new draft puts strong emphasis on transparency in this area. The agency has begun gathering data from multiple industrial development bodies such as UPSIDA, NOIDA, YEIDA, UPEIDA, GIDA, and SIDA. This effort aims to create a detailed, up-to-date database of industrial land covering vacant plots, allotted spaces, and those involved in disputes.
A Digital Land Bank with GIS mapping is currently in the works, which will offer real-time, location-based land availability to investors. The system will allow investors to select plots that suit their specific requirements, with a preference for pre-acquired, dispute-free lands that already have essential infrastructure. Before signing any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), investors will be shown relevant industrial zones, thus enabling informed decision-making and reducing post-agreement complications.
In an attempt to expand investor outreach and handhold prospective investors more effectively, the policy also proposes setting up national offices of Invest UP in key cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These offices will serve as contact points for investors from across India, offering detailed assistance and facilitating investment proposals for the state.
Additionally, the proposal includes setting up four regional ‘industry facilitation offices’ in Lucknow, Greater Noida, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur. These will act as nodal offices to fast-track regional investment proposals and assist investors at the ground level, thereby decentralizing the facilitation process and ensuring quicker responses. Looking ahead, the policy also leaves the door open for overseas offices in the future. This idea draws inspiration from states like Andhra Pradesh, which has already announced plans to open investment promotion offices in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
The government also plans to restructure Invest UP internally to improve day-to-day efficiency. A proposal is under review to appoint a PCS-level officer as Joint CEO, adding administrative oversight and accountability. Additionally, efforts are underway to fill vacant positions at the level of general managers and assistant managers – roles critical for timely project evaluation and coordination.
The new draft policy is expected to emphasize performance metrics and time-bound targets for Invest UP officials to ensure that investor queries and approvals do not remain pending unnecessarily. The revamp comes in the wake of a major scandal involving former Invest UP CEO Abhishek Prakash, who was suspended after a Punjab-based investor alleged that the CEO had demanded a bribe for approving a massive solar project. The state government responded swiftly by suspending the official and initiating a high-level inquiry, which is currently underway.
Officials involved in drafting the policy noted that restoring trust and institutional credibility is central to the ongoing reforms. “The image of Invest UP has taken a hit, and we are determined to change that. The focus is now on accountability, transparency, and industry-friendly practices,” one official said.
The timing of this overhaul is crucial as Uttar Pradesh gears up for its third Global Investors’ Summit (GIS) and fifth Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC) scheduled between November 2025 and February 2026. The state has set ambitious targets – securing investment intentions worth Rs 88 lakh crore, and materialisation of around Rs 33 lakh crore for the GBC event.
To achieve this, the state government is keen on positioning Invest UP as a robust, efficient, and investor-first agency. With the new policy set to address long-standing pain points for investors – ranging from land allotment delays to lack of real-time support – the reboot of Invest UP is being hailed as a much-needed and timely intervention.
The new draft policy for Invest UP signifies a comprehensive restructuring effort focused on speed, transparency, and investor participation. By including industry leaders in governance, introducing time-bound approvals, creating a real-time land database, and setting up regional and national offices, the Uttar Pradesh government is laying the foundation for a robust investment ecosystem. The reforms not only aim to repair the agency’s reputation but also position the state to attract unprecedented investment in the lead-up to the upcoming Global Investors’ Summit.
To make this happen, the state government is focused on transforming Invest UP into a strong, responsive, and investor-centric body. The upcoming policy aims to resolve persistent challenges faced by investors such as delays in land allocation and inadequate real-time assistance making this revamp both necessary and well-timed.
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