Implementation of Ease of Doing Business Act in Chhattisgarh to benefit 15 lakh MSMEs

The 'Ease of Doing Business Act' has been implemented in Chhattisgarh to enhance the ease of conducting business, which is expected to directly benefit over 15 lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. In an email interview with BusinessLine, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that over 450 business reforms have been introduced in the state alongside this law. Furthermore, with investment proposals exceeding ₹8 lakh crore, Chhattisgarh is now establishing itself as a competitive destination for investment in industry, technology, and next-generation manufacturing.

The 'Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026' has brought practical changes for businesses. The primary objective of this law is to reduce unnecessary inspections, frequent approvals, and lengthy processes through a transparent and risk-based system. Under this framework, low-risk businesses can opt for self-certification, while medium-risk businesses can obtain certification from authorised third-party professionals. This law replaces the requirement for routine annual renewals with risk-based compliance for eligible services. If the prescribed compliance and change-reporting requirements are met, low and medium-risk approvals may remain valid for the lifetime of the business. However, technical assessments and inspections will continue for high-risk entities.

This new structural framework initially covers 43 services across eight departments. It also includes a provision for 'deemed approval', meaning that if a decision is not taken on an eligible application within the stipulated timeframe, it will be considered approved. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that since December 2023, the government has undertaken over 450 reforms to simplify processes, reduce regulatory hurdles, improve transparency, and ensure clearances within timelines. He believes that the role of the government should be to facilitate businesses rather than create obstacles for them.

To prevent delays in land allotment and approvals, the government has set specific timelines. Details of land options and incentives are provided within seven days, site visits are arranged within 15 days, and digital land allotment is targeted to be completed within 45 days. The process for eligible incentives is completed within 28 days. To simplify land processes, approximately 1,548 acres of land have been allotted digitally in the last six months, while nearly 2.5 lakh mutations and 8,948 land-use changes have been completed under the online process.

The Chief Minister further added that good governance is not merely about announcing policies, but ensuring that their benefits reach investors, entrepreneurs, and citizens. Efforts are being made to make government processes faster, easier, and more transparent through digital governance.

Vishnu Deo Sai is serving as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He has made efforts to accelerate economic growth in the state through business reforms and digital governance.