Central to their recommendations is the mandatory use of the National Single Window System (NSWS) for all regulatory approvals at central, state, and local levels, which would ensure greater efficiency and predictability in the approval process.
CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee highlighted the significance of sustained efforts in EoDB reforms. “Simplifying regulatory frameworks, reducing compliance burdens, and enhancing transparency should continue to remain our focus agenda for the next several years. Compliances for industry related to various areas such as land, labour, dispute resolution, paying taxes and environment offer a vast scope for reduction, vital for boosting competitiveness, driving economic growth and employment generation”, Banerjee added.
The proposed 10-point agenda includes:
1. Mandatory Use of NSWS for Approvals
CII recommends integrating all central ministries into the NSWS within six months, with states to follow in a phased manner. A dedicated central budget should incentivize states to adopt the system, ensuring transparency and faster processing.
2. Time-Bound Services with Statutory Backing
A new Act should impose statutory obligations on public authorities to process industry applications and grievances within set timelines. Provisions for “deemed approvals” beyond deadlines are also suggested.
Also read: India to outpace major steel-consuming economies with 8-9% demand growth in 2025: CRISIL
3. Strengthening Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
To expedite dispute resolution, CII recommends expanding commercial courts and increasing reliance on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration. The establishment of the Mediation Council of India and the Arbitration Council of India should be prioritized.
4. Expanding the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
The NJDG’s scope should include tribunal cases to manage and reduce pendency effectively, as tribunals constitute a significant share of unresolved cases.
Also read: PLI scheme, subsidies detrimental to long-term growth of clean-tech sector: Goyal
5. Unified Environmental Compliance Framework
A single framework should consolidate environmental compliance requirements. Existing laws like the Water Act and Air Act should be incorporated into the Environmental Protection Act to centralize regulations. Performance-based incentives could reward companies exceeding environmental standards.
6. Facilitating Land Access
States should develop an Online Integrated Land Authority to streamline land records, digitize land banks, and provide dispute information. The India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) should evolve into a National Level Land Bank with central budgetary support.
7. Simplified Labour Compliances
The implementation of the four Labour Codes is essential to ease compliance. Additionally, the Shram suvidha portal should become a centralized platform for all labour law compliances across central and state levels.
Also read: Industrial growth rises to six-month high of 5.2% in November
8. Improving Trade Facilitation
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)program should be simplified with enhanced benefits like extended duty payment periods, self-declared renewals, and easier access for MSMEs.
9. Aligning Metrology Rules with Global Standards
CII suggests synchronizing allied legal metrology rules with international standards. Imported equipment certified by OIML labs should be exempt from additional approval processes.
Also read: Indian economy likely to be ‘a little weaker’ in 2025: IMF MD
10. Addressing Tax Dispute Pendency
CII urges the government to reduce income tax litigation by unclogging cases at the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) level and improving ADR mechanisms like Advance Pricing Agreements and Dispute Resolution Schemes.
The agenda reflects CII’s commitment to driving reforms that create a predictable, transparent, and business-friendly environment. By implementing these recommendations, India can strengthen its position as a global investment destination while boosting domestic economic activity, economy watchers said.
