Srinagar, July 28: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review progress under the next phase of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) programme and assess the implementation of deregulation and compliance reduction reforms across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting reviewed priority reforms being coordinated by the Industries & Commerce Department under Phase-II of the Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative, aimed at creating a more investor-friendly and business-friendly ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Conducting a department-wise review, the Chief Secretary directed all Administrative Secretaries to ensure the timely implementation of pending reforms through coordinated efforts. He stressed that reducing unnecessary regulations, simplifying procedures and easing compliance are crucial for promoting investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Dulloo also instructed departments to resolve pending issues, particularly those awaiting reconsideration or approval on the Centre's deregulation portal, so that all reforms are completed within the prescribed timelines.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh informed the meeting that 9 of the 28 identified priority reforms have already been accepted by the Government of India as fully implemented. Sixteen reforms are under implementation, one is awaiting approval on the national portal, while two have been returned for reconsideration.
Director Industries & Commerce, Jammu, Arun Manhas said the accepted reforms include liberalisation of regulations for shops and commercial establishments, improved environmental clearance mechanisms, creation of a degraded forest land bank, removal of minimum land requirements for private universities, rationalisation of infrastructure norms for private higher educational institutions, a single nodal agency for healthcare licences, reduced processing time under the Single Window System, an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework, adoption of the amended Water Act, 2024, and compilation of government testing facilities for MSMEs.
The meeting also reviewed proposed legislative reforms, including removal of change-of-land-use requirements, demand-driven zoning, optimisation of industrial land use, elimination of dual business licences, strengthening MSME self-certification, simplification of medical practitioners' registration, an affidavit-based clearance system under the proposed Right to Business framework, and the proposed Omnibus Bill to harmonise regulatory provisions.
Progress on reforms related to building permissions, Weights and Measures licensing, promotion of affordable tourist accommodation and easing regulatory requirements for private schools was also reviewed.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to regulatory reforms, the Chief Secretary said the successful implementation of these measures would significantly improve the ease of doing business, reduce compliance burdens and strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's position as an attractive investment destination.