CII’s 10-Point Agenda for Ease of Doing Business

January 14, 2025

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has revealed a 10-point agenda aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India ahead of the 2025-26 Budget. This initiative puts stress on the need for transparency, speed, and a reduction in compliance burdens across various regulatory frameworks.

1. Mandatory Use of NSWS for Approvals

CII proposes that the National Single Window System (NSWS) be made mandatory for all regulatory approvals. This integration should occur within six months for central ministries, followed by states in a phased approach. A dedicated budget should incentivise states to adopt NSWS, promoting transparency and efficiency in processing applications.

2. Time-Bound Services with Statutory Backing

A new Act is recommended to enforce statutory obligations on public authorities. This Act would mandate the timely processing of industry applications and grievances. Provisions for “deemed approvals” beyond deadlines are also suggested to ensure accountability.

3. Strengthening Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

CII advocates for the expansion of commercial courts and increased use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. Establishing the Mediation Council of India and the Arbitration Council of India is a priority to expedite dispute resolution.

4. Expanding the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)

The NJDG should encompass tribunal cases to effectively manage and reduce backlog. Tribunals represent portion of unresolved cases, necessitating their inclusion in the data grid for better oversight.

5. Unified Environmental Compliance Framework

CII calls for a single framework to consolidate environmental compliance. Existing laws, such as the Water Act and Air Act, should be integrated into the Environmental Protection Act. Performance-based incentives could encourage companies to exceed environmental standards.

6. Facilitating Land Access

States should create an Online Integrated Land Authority to streamline land records. This initiative would digitise land banks and provide information on disputes. The India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) should evolve into a National Level Land Bank with support from the central budget.

7. Simplified Labour Compliances

The implementation of the four Labour Codes is crucial for easing compliance burdens. The Shram Suvidha Portal should serve as a centralised platform for all labour law compliance, covering both central and state levels.

8. Improving Trade Facilitation

CII suggests simplifying the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. Enhanced benefits such as extended duty payment periods and self-declared renewals should be introduced, particularly to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

9. Aligning Metrology Rules with Global Standards

Synchronising legal metrology rules with international standards is essential. Equipment imported from OIML-certified labs should be exempt from additional approval processes, streamlining trade operations.

10. Addressing Tax Dispute Pendency

CII urges the government to tackle income tax litigation by reducing cases at the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) level. Improving ADR mechanisms like Advance Pricing Agreements and Dispute Resolution Schemes is vital for unclogging the system.

NSWS – National Single Window System for approvals.
ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution methods for quicker resolutions.
IILB – India Industrial Land Bank for land management.
AEO – Authorized Economic Operator programme for trade facilitation.
OIML – International Organisation of Legal Metrology for global standards.

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