CS pushes for faster reforms to boost Ease of Doing Business

Srinagar, Aug 08: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of compliance reduction and deregulation reforms recommended by the National Task Force, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, aimed at ensuring Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) across the country. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Commissioner Secretary, Forest; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Law; and Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu, among others.During the session, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress made on key reform areas. He directed all departments to ensure timely and complete compliance with the reforms set forth by the Task Force. “There is no room for laxity or delays,” Dulloo said, “Administrative heads must monitor the implementation regularly to ensure these reforms are effectively grounded.” He called for uploading evidentiary proof of compliance across all priority areas without further delay. “These reforms are critical to improving the overall ease of doing business,” he said.Dulloo called for a mission-mode approach to implementing regulatory changes, instructing the Industries & Commerce department to complete all documentation and reporting requirements promptly and to assist other departments in smooth implementation.Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, informed the meeting that 434 reform points across various departments have already been successfully implemented. However, he noted that some reform points were returned by the Task Force with observations for further refinement. Singh assured that the Industries & Commerce department is proactively addressing these gaps and will ensure timely compliance uploads in coordination with the respective departments.Further insights were provided by Arun Kumar Manhas, Director of Industries & Commerce, Jammu, who highlighted several key reform areas requiring immediate attention. These included adopting flexible zoning regulations in master plans to facilitate mixed land use, simplifying and digitising the Change of Land Use (CLU) process, and rationalising minimum road width norms for rural industrial units.Dulloo said these reforms are aimed at building a robust, business-friendly industrial ecosystem in the Union Territory. He said the initiative aligns with the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to simplify regulatory frameworks and promote ease of doing business nationwide.