India Streamlines Business Environment: Jan Vishwas Act Decriminalizes 183 Provisions

New Delhi:  The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is actively spearheading initiatives under the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) framework, aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment in India. A series of strategic steps have been implemented by various Ministries, Departments, and States/Union Territories (UTs) to simplify, rationalize, digitize, and decriminalize government-to-business and citizen interfaces.

One significant measure is the “Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023,” which has proven to be a game-changer by effectively decriminalizing 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts administered by 19 Ministries and Departments. This move aligns with the broader objective of reducing the compliance burden on businesses and citizens.

The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri. Som Parkash, shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. The Minister highlighted the multifaceted approach adopted to enhance the Ease of Doing Business in India, emphasizing the need for a conducive business environment.

To systematically assess the progress made by States/UTs in implementing business-friendly reforms, an annual exercise called the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) has been instituted. This assessment serves as a benchmark, promoting healthy competition among regions to adopt measures that attract investment and facilitate business operations.

A crucial development in this endeavor is the implementation of the National Single Window System (NSWS), a comprehensive platform providing a one-stop-shop for investor-related approvals and services. The NSWS streamlines and expedites the approval process, contributing to a more efficient and investor-friendly ecosystem.

The ongoing efforts under the EoDB framework underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a business environment that encourages growth, innovation, and investment. The Jan Vishwas Act, in particular, stands out as a pivotal move towards simplifying regulations and decriminalizing provisions, signaling a positive shift in India’s approach to doing business.

As the nation continues to evolve its regulatory landscape, the DPIIT remains at the forefront of initiatives that promote a transparent, efficient, and business-friendly environment, laying the foundation for sustainable economic development.