Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo leads a meeting to adopt successful business practices from other states to enhance Ease of Doing Business in Jammu & Kashmir.
New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Jammu & Kashmir to Implement National Best Practices for Business Reforms
Srinagar: In a significant move to enhance the business environment in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to explore the adoption of national best practices in promoting Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living. The meeting aimed to assess the suitability of these practices for implementation in the Union Territory.
The session was attended by various Administrative Secretaries and senior officials from relevant departments, who presented detailed insights into the governance and regulatory reforms successfully executed by leading states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat. These states have established a business-friendly ecosystem through various initiatives, including the simplification of procedures, digital governance, and citizen-centric service delivery.
The presentations highlighted a range of initiatives, including:
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo noted that Jammu & Kashmir has already implemented several governance reforms over recent years. However, he emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of administrative transformation by adopting proven national best practices that align with the governance framework of the Union Territory.
He stressed that reforms aimed at improving Ease of Living should complement economic reforms by ensuring hassle-free access to government services, minimizing procedural delays, and enhancing public satisfaction. "Immediate focus should be on rationalizing and whitelisting services, simplifying regulatory processes, and decriminalizing minor offences," he stated, urging necessary amendments to relevant Acts, Rules, and regulations to foster a more enabling and investor-friendly ecosystem.
Addressing the officers, Dulloo remarked that sustained and well-directed reforms invariably lead to greater investor confidence and increased investments. He pointed out that several states and Union Territories have emerged as frontrunners in governance reforms and service delivery, and Jammu & Kashmir should proactively emulate such proven best practices instead of reinventing the wheel.
He highlighted numerous success stories across the country that offer valuable learning opportunities for the Union Territory. By adopting these tested models and tailoring them to local requirements, Jammu & Kashmir can expedite its reform agenda while avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring faster outcomes.
Furthermore, he directed the Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Governance (CITaG) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reforms already implemented in the Union Territory compared to those adopted by leading states. This assessment should identify existing gaps and prioritize reforms that can be implemented in the near future.
Underscoring the importance of an investor-centric approach, the Chief Secretary insisted that all reforms must be viewed from the perspective of entrepreneurs and investors rather than from the standpoint of government departments. Governance systems should be designed to simplify compliance, expedite approvals, and enhance service delivery efficiency and transparency.
He urged CITaG to formulate a comprehensive, well-defined, and time-bound action plan with clearly identifiable milestones and measurable outcomes for the implementation of these reforms in Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, he directed the organization to maintain close coordination with the relevant authorities in Maharashtra and Gujarat to gain a deeper understanding of their reform processes, implementation strategies, and institutional mechanisms, ensuring that best practices can be effectively adapted to the needs of the Union Territory.
The meeting concluded with a consensus that adopting proven governance models from across the country, suitably customized to local requirements, would significantly strengthen institutional efficiency, enhance investor confidence, and further the Government's vision of achieving higher standards of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living in Jammu & Kashmir.
The backdrop of this initiative lies in the broader context of economic development in Jammu & Kashmir, which has historically faced challenges related to investment and infrastructure. The region has seen various phases of economic activity, but the potential for growth remains largely untapped due to bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory complexities. By focusing on Ease of Doing Business, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
Historically, Jammu & Kashmir's economy has been heavily dependent on agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts. However, the recent push towards industrialization and entrepreneurship is pivotal for economic diversification. The implementation of best practices in business reforms is expected to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, such as lengthy approval processes, lack of transparency, and cumbersome regulatory compliance.
In recent years, the Government of India has emphasized the importance of improving the business climate across the country, particularly in Union Territories like Jammu & Kashmir. The national agenda includes initiatives such as the 'Make in India' campaign and the 'Startup India' program, which aim to foster innovation, attract investments, and create job opportunities. Jammu & Kashmir's alignment with these national goals through local adaptations of successful practices is crucial for its economic resurgence.
The focus on digital governance and technology-driven solutions is also a significant aspect of this reform agenda. The move towards digitization not only streamlines processes but also enhances transparency and accountability in governance. By reducing paperwork and enabling online services, the government can significantly improve the efficiency of service delivery, thereby making it easier for businesses to operate.
Moreover, the emphasis on decriminalizing minor regulatory offences reflects a broader trend in governance reform aimed at reducing the fear of punitive actions among small entrepreneurs. This shift is crucial for fostering a more entrepreneurial culture where innovation and risk-taking are encouraged rather than stifled by regulatory fears.
In conclusion, the initiative to adopt national best practices for business reforms in Jammu & Kashmir is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the region's economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. By learning from the experiences of other states and customizing those lessons to fit local conditions, the government aims to create a robust framework that supports sustainable economic growth and enhances the overall governance landscape in the Union Territory.
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