Delhi CM govt clears single-window biz reforms to cut red tape

New Delhi: The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, proposing sweeping reforms aimed at making it simpler, faster and cheaper to start and operate businesses in the capital.

The proposed legislation, cleared at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, seeks to reduce paperwork, eliminate duplicate registrations and bring multiple regulatory approvals under a unified system. At its core is an integrated Single Window System through which entrepreneurs will be able to access services related to building plans, fire safety NOCs, pollution control and water, sewerage and electricity connections. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) will be the nodal agency. Low-risk businesses listed under Schedule III could be allowed to begin operations through self-declaration, while some permissions could be granted immediately on application. The Bill also proposes “deemed approval”, under which applications would be treated as approved in applicable cases if authorities fail to decide them within the prescribed time. Businesses already registered under GST, FSSAI, MSME provisions or labour codes would not require separate trade licences or shop and establishment registrations.

Under an “once-only information” principle, businesses would not have to repeatedly submit documents already available with the government. New enterprises would generally be exempt from routine inspections during their first three years, subject to applicable laws and exceptions. The Bill also introduces a negative-list approach, under which business activities would generally be permitted unless specifically restricted or prohibited.