J&K Cabinet Defers Landmark Ease of Doing Business Ordinance, Ministers Seek Detailed Presentation
Major Reform Proposal to Cut Red Tape, Reduce NOCs and Boost Investment Put on Hold; Government May Introduce Bill in Assembly
JAMMU, Aug 6 (KNC): In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has deferred the proposed Ease of Doing Business Ordinance, a major reform initiative aimed at simplifying business regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and promoting investment across the Union Territory after some Cabinet Ministers sought a detailed departmental presentation on key provisions.
Official sources said the Ordinance, drafted by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Department headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was placed before the Cabinet during its recent meeting but could not be approved as certain Ministers sought further clarification on various aspects of the proposed legislation.
Sources indicated that if the required presentation is completed shortly, the proposal may still receive Cabinet approval through circulation before being forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for assent. However, if the process is delayed, the Government is likely to introduce the reforms as a Bill during the forthcoming Assembly session expected in September.
The proposed Ordinance is designed to bring sweeping reforms to the business ecosystem by significantly reducing regulatory compliances, simplifying approval procedures, minimizing unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), promoting self-certification, and curbing repeated inspections by multiple departments.
According to sources, one of the key features of the proposed reforms is a three-year moratorium on several procedural compliances, allowing entrepreneurs to establish and operate businesses before completing certain non-essential formalities. The initiative also seeks to streamline approvals for sectors including hotels, home stays, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other commercial ventures, while ensuring inspection reports are issued within a stipulated timeframe.
Officials said the reforms were prepared after extensive consultations with all concerned departments in Jammu and Kashmir and are aligned with the Centre’s broader Ease of Doing Business agenda. The proposal also incorporates measures to reduce compliance burdens through simplification, digitisation, elimination of obsolete procedures and decriminalisation of minor regulatory violations.
The proposed legislation is expected to create a more business-friendly environment, encourage entrepreneurship, attract private investment, generate employment opportunities and improve the overall ease of establishing and operating businesses in Jammu and Kashmir once it receives legislative approval. (KNC)
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