Haryana Government Introduces Jan Vishwas Bill to Decriminalise Minor Offences and Enhance Business Environment

The Haryana government plans to introduce the Haryana Jan Vishwas Bill to enhance the investment environment. This initiative aims to decriminalise minor offences, remove regulatory barriers, and lessen compliance demands across various departments. The move is part of a larger strategy to improve business conditions, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and to promote trust-based governance among investors.

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During a meeting chaired by Special Secretary KK Pathak, the progress on reducing compliance and deregulation was reviewed. Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi stressed the state's commitment to improving business ease through deregulation and decriminalisation. "Our approach is holistic, whether it is streamlining industrial clearances, digitising land records, or simplifying building codes, every measure is aimed at improving investor confidence and supporting enterprise," he noted.

Focus on Business Reforms

Pathak praised Haryana as a leader in business reforms and mentioned that the central government expects the state to achieve its deregulation goals. He highlighted Gurugram and Faridabad as key economic hubs that have outperformed Delhi in several areas. "We consider Haryana on par with larger states such as Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh in terms of industrial growth and economic dynamism," he remarked.

Amit Kumar Agrawal, States Commissioner and Secretary of Industries and Commerce, stated that Haryana has repealed 36 outdated Acts and removed 37 minor criminal provisions over the past decade. The Jan Vishwas Bill represents the next step in legal modernisation. The Department of Industries and Commerce is reviewing over 230 Acts from 37 departments to continue this reform.

Streamlining Land Use Policies

To support integrated planning, Haryana is rationalising its land use policies. The state has adopted a mixed land use model that permits compatible residential, commercial, and public uses in most zones. Industrial zones are open for all types of industries, including red category ones. Non-red category industries can operate even in agricultural zones.

The state has also established a dedicated Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Cell for effective reform implementation. This cell works under the Chief Secretary's supervision alongside senior officers from the Industries Department. It coordinates with various departments to analyse legal provisions and suggest simplifications.

Digital Facilitation Initiatives

Digital facilitation plays a crucial role in Haryana's reform strategy. The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) Land Bank is fully digitised and linked with the India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) portal. Investors can access real-time information about plots and infrastructure details like water supply and electricity.

To enable quick operations for new units, flat factories have been developed in industrial estates like Industrial Model Township Faridabad. This plug-and-play infrastructure supports rapid business setup.

A committee is working on further simplifying land use sub-classifications with recommendations expected soon. Small commercial activities are allowed along service roads, while non-residential uses in residential areas require prior permission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly reviews deregulation efforts to boost industry nationwide. Rastogi assured that remaining reforms will be completed within central government timelines.

With inputs from PTI