Assam Tables Bills to Cut Red Tape for Businesses

Guwahati: Assam officials moved to gut red tape on July 9. Industries Minister Bimal Borah presented the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Bill to swap out outdated 2020 rules. Borah said, "MSMEs remain central to employment generation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in Assam." The state wants to align with national reform plans by pushing self-certification and digital clearances.

Labour Minister Rameswar Teli introduced a second bill to fix rules for shops and establishments. The plan allows for round-the-clock operations and digital registration. It keeps protections for worker safety and overtime pay intact.

The government also targeted industrial growth through the Ease of Doing Business Amendment. This creates a Single Window Task Force to speed up project approvals. It grants authority to hire outside experts for industrial oversight. Meanwhile, the Jan Vishwas Bill strips away friction in six sectors, from land planning to cinema regulation. Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog added to the overhaul by pushing to repeal the colonial-era Sarai Act of 1867. These moves aim to fast-track investment statewide.