The Indian government is gearing up to unveil its Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024, a comprehensive regulatory reform strategy aimed at boosting the ease of doing business across the country. This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting the government's flagship Make in India campaign, aimed at transforming India into a global manufacturing and investment hub.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is spearheading the rollout of the BRAP 2024 framework, which is designed to address the evolving needs of businesses and citizens. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the action plan will introduce several business-friendly reforms to simplify regulatory processes, streamline government services, and foster a more conducive environment for economic growth.
"Building on the successes of previous editions, 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 programme," the ministry stated.
The previous iterations of BRAP, which were launched in 2014-2015, embodied the concept of competitive federalism, where states and union territories (UTs) were evaluated based on the successful implementation of reforms. The BRAP 2024 framework aims to carry this momentum forward by introducing innovative, dynamic reform strategies that cater to the ever-changing business landscape.
By incorporating elements from the B-READY programme, BRAP 2024 will facilitate better compliance, lower regulatory barriers, and promote transparency, thereby reinforcing India's position as an attractive investment destination.
One of the key innovations of BRAP 2024 is its assessment methodology, which blends evidence-based and feedback-based evaluations for a more comprehensive approach to reform assessment. This new methodology will not only rely on statistical data but also feedback from businesses, enabling a more holistic view of the reforms' impact.
"The upcoming BRAP 2024 framework introduces an innovative assessment methodology, blending evidence and feedback-based evaluations for a more comprehensive and dynamic approach," according to the official statement.
BRAP 2024 places a strong emphasis on reducing approval times, promoting online service delivery, and leveraging platforms like the National Single Window System (NSWS) and PM Gati Shakti to create a more transparent and efficient business ecosystem. These platforms will enable businesses to navigate regulatory processes more easily, speeding up approvals and enhancing operational efficiency.
By focusing on the adoption of digital platforms and process automation, BRAP 2024 is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Faster approval times and digital service delivery are seen as crucial to attracting both domestic and international investors.
Since its inception, BRAP has expanded its scope significantly, covering crucial sectors like labour, environment, taxes, land administration, and utility permits. The BRAP 2024 plan builds on this foundation by adding new focus areas, including the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) and process re-engineering through the Time and Document Study (TDS), aimed at further enhancing government-to-business service delivery.
The action plan also prioritizes reforms in areas such as Online Building Permission Systems, labour reforms, inspection procedures, and single window systems, all of which are expected to simplify the business setup process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs and investors.
The ministry reiterated that "BRAP 2024 continues its mission to simplify processes, reduce compliance burdens, and implement digital solutions, positioning India as a preferred global investment destination." By focusing on reducing bureaucratic red tape and adopting technology-driven solutions, the plan is set to enhance the overall ease of doing business in India.
The Information Wizard, Single Window Systems, and online services for inspections and labour compliance reforms are at the heart of the BRAP 2024 vision. These initiatives will allow businesses to access information, submit documents, and complete necessary approvals online, significantly reducing the time and effort required to comply with regulations.
The upcoming Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 is set to reshape India's business environment by streamlining regulatory frameworks, enhancing digital service delivery, and promoting faster approval processes. With its strong focus on reducing compliance burdens and leveraging technology, BRAP 2024 promises to position India as a global leader in ease of doing business, thereby attracting more investment and driving economic growth.