NITI Aayog Hosts Workshop on Ease of Doing Business
NITI Aayog convened a significant workshop today in New Delhi aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting investment across India. The event gathered senior policymakers from both the central and state governments to discuss vital reforms necessary for improving the business environment. Under the leadership of Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, the workshop featured key addresses and participation from various industry representatives, focusing on actionable strategies to streamline business operations and attract investments.
Key Discussions on Business Reforms
The workshop centered around seven core reform areas essential for facilitating investment and improving the ease of doing business at the sub-national level. These areas included the decriminalization of laws, reduction of compliance burdens, implementation of the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), development of industrial infrastructure, establishment of single-window clearance systems, financial and taxation reforms, and investment promotion strategies.
During discussions on decriminalization and compliance reform, several states showcased their initiatives stemming from the Jan Vishwas Act 1.0. These initiatives aim to decriminalize minor business-related offenses, thereby enhancing the speed of business operations. Participants emphasized the importance of converting minor offenses into civil penalties and streamlining compliance mechanisms to alleviate burdens on entrepreneurs. States shared successful examples of removing imprisonment clauses and simplifying regulatory processes to foster a more business-friendly environment.
Aligning State Actions with National Frameworks
A significant focus of the workshop was the alignment of state-level actions with the national Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP). Industry representatives advocated for a national-level legislation to harmonize decriminalization and compounding provisions across states. They also proposed the introduction of a Trusted Taxpayers Programme to incentivize compliance and create a more supportive regulatory environment.
The discussions highlighted the collaborative spirit within the GST Council, which has led to a gradual reduction in tax rates, benefiting small businesses. Participants noted that approximately 90% of small companies have adapted well to the new tax regime. The rationalization of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was also recognized as a crucial step toward reducing litigation and enhancing tax certainty, thereby supporting the overall ease of doing business.
Investment Promotion Strategies and Infrastructure Development
The workshop also addressed the need for effective investment promotion strategies, emphasizing that such efforts should be institutionalized as a continuous function rather than a one-time activity. States presented innovative, sector-specific strategies that leverage local strengths and align with global demand trends. The role of dedicated Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) was underscored, focusing on building professional capacity and providing post-investment support.
Participants discussed the importance of end-to-end digitization of State Single Window Clearance Systems to enhance predictability and efficiency. They also stressed the need for fiscal incentives to be more predictable and easier to claim, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The significance of logistics connectivity and customs efficiency in attracting large-scale investments was highlighted, especially in the context of initiatives like Make in India.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
In his special address, Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the critical role of state-level execution in shaping India’s investment climate. He called for streamlined systems and coordinated efforts between the central and state governments to position India as a leading destination for global capital.
Shri Rajiv Gauba, delivering the keynote address, reiterated that the ease of doing business is an ongoing process. He encouraged states to adopt their versions of Jan Vishwas-type reforms to reduce regulatory overreach and enhance business confidence. The workshop served as a platform for sharing experiences and developing forward-looking strategies, reinforcing NITI Aayog’s commitment to supporting states through knowledge exchange and reform-oriented collaboration. Insights from the discussions will contribute to the creation of a Model FDI Promotion Template, aimed at improving investment readiness across states.
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