Chandigarh government to streamline business regulations

The Indian government is working to make it easier to do business in Chandigarh. A meeting was held on Tuesday to discuss reducing regulations and streamlining business processes in the city. The aim is to improve urban planning and create a more business-friendly environment. The meeting was led by SCL Das, a secretary in the Ministry of MSME, and Rajiv Verma, Chandigarh's chief secretary. They talked about new ways to simplify zoning rules, land use procedures, and digital approvals for businesses. This is part of a broader effort to ease compliance burdens on companies. Key proposals discussed included flexible zoning norms to allow mixed-use developments and easing restrictions on building heights and setbacks. They also considered reforms to labour laws, such as allowing women to work night shifts and simplifying layoff procedures. The plan involves faster approvals for industrial licenses, fire safety clearances, and environmental permits through a single-window system. The integration of Chandigarh’s Master Plan with national digital governance systems was also suggested to boost effective land use planning. Chandigarh administration is committed to adopting best practices from other leading states and international examples to foster economic growth, while still protecting the city’s urban identity. A Compliance Reduction and De-Regulation Task Force will monitor the progress and suggest further improvements to support a better business climate.