Infrastructure – Delhi Unveils Business Reform Bill to Simplify Investment Process

Infrastructure –The Delhi government has unveiled the draft Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, a day after receiving cabinet approval, marking a significant step toward creating a more efficient business environment in the national capital. The proposed legislation focuses on reducing procedural delays, making government services more transparent, and encouraging entrepreneurs by introducing a technology-driven approval system.

Focus on Faster and Transparent Approvals

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the proposed law is designed to make business-related permissions quicker, more predictable, and easier to access. The government aims to replace lengthy administrative procedures with digital processes while reducing unnecessary compliance requirements for industries, startups, and investors.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the reforms are intended to allow entrepreneurs to concentrate on expanding their businesses instead of spending valuable time completing government formalities. She stated that the administration wants approvals to be processed within fixed timelines, procedures to remain clear, and avoidable regulatory burdens to be reduced without compromising accountability.

Single Online Platform for Business Services

A major feature of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a comprehensive single-window digital platform. Through this portal, businesses would be able to submit applications for approvals, licences, registrations, no-objection certificates, and essential utility connections without approaching multiple government departments separately.

The online system is expected to include services such as building plan approvals, factory licences, fire safety clearances, electricity, water and sewer connections, registrations under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), and registrations for cooperative societies. By bringing these services together, the government hopes to simplify administrative procedures and improve efficiency.

DSIIDC to Coordinate Implementation

The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has been identified as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating implementation across different government departments and civic authorities. The corporation will oversee inter-departmental coordination to ensure that applications move smoothly through the approval process.

Deemed Approvals and Self-Certification

One of the most significant proposals in the draft Bill is the provision for deemed approvals. If a government authority does not take a decision within the prescribed timeframe, the application would automatically be treated as approved. Applicants would then be able to download the approval directly from the online portal, reducing delays caused by administrative bottlenecks.

The legislation also introduces self-certification for selected low-risk business activities, including certain fire safety requirements. This measure is intended to reduce routine paperwork while allowing authorities to focus their attention on higher-risk sectors.

Relief for New Businesses

Under the proposed framework, newly registered enterprises would generally be exempt from routine inspections for their first three years of operation. Inspections could still take place if credible or serious complaints are received. The government believes this trust-based approach will encourage new businesses to establish operations with greater confidence.

Another important proposal is the adoption of a negative list system. Businesses would be permitted to undertake any commercial activity unless it has been specifically prohibited under the law, offering greater operational flexibility while maintaining legal safeguards.

Describing the proposed legislation as an important change in Delhi’s regulatory approach, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Bill aims to shift governance from excessive control toward a framework built on trust, while ensuring that genuine violations continue to face strict legal action.