Chandigarh, April 28 -- In a move aimed at improving the ease of doing business, the Chandigarh administration has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) seeking approval to allow new micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to begin operations immediately on the basis of self-declaration.

Currently, entrepreneurs are required to obtain multiple licences and no-objection certificates from fire, pollution, labour and municipal authorities before starting operations. The process often takes one to three years, leading to delays that disproportionately affect the small traders more.

The UT's fresh proposal, modelled on the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020, seeks to exempt new units from obtaining prior approvals and pro...