India’s business reforms plan targets faster approvals to push ‘make in India’

The latest edition of the government’s Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) will focus on further cutting approval times and integrating online service delivery in steps that would further strengthen the Make in India initiative and improve ease of doing business, a statement said.

BRAP 2024 aligns with key government initiatives such as reducing compliance burden and decriminalization, while also integrating elements from the World Bank’s upcoming B-READY program, the ministry of commerce and industry said in the statement. The World Bank’s B-READY program assesses and benchmarks the business environment and regulatory services across countries to enhance private sector development.

Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, BRAP 2024 will leverage initiatives such as the National Single Window System and PM Gati Shakti, it added.

The National Single Window System streamlines business clearances through a unified platform, while PM Gati Shakti enhances infrastructure and logistics by coordinating various transport modes.

“The upcoming BRAP 2024 framework introduces an innovative assessment methodology, blending evidence and feedback-based evaluations for a more comprehensive and dynamic approach,” the statement said.

Launched in 2014-2015, BRAP has undergone six revisions and its approach involves evaluating states and union territories based on implementation of reforms.

It has expanded from its original focus on key areas like labor, environment, taxes, and permits to include new elements such as improving technology use and streamlining processes, ensuring quicker and more effective services from the government to businesses.

Its primary focus has been on easing sectoral challenges and building multiple investment hubs nationwide by creating a favourable business environment.

As part of its focus on serving citizens, BRAP has stressed clear service delivery, ensuring that businesses and individuals can easily access information on procedures, fees, and timelines.