New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- The Delhi government has proposed sweeping changes to simplify the process of setting up and running businesses in the Capital, with the draft Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026 introducing measures such as a single-window clearance system, deemed approvals, self-certification for low-risk units and a three-year exemption from routine inspections. The draft Bill was deliberated by the Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday. If cleared by the Lieutenant Governor, it will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for further approval.
Addressing the proposed reforms, Gupta said, "Our goal is to ensure entrepreneurs spend their time growing their businesses, not running from one government office to another."
Under the proposal, approvals, registrations, licences, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and utility connections will be routed through a single online portal managed by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), which will act as the nodal agency coordinating with different departments.
The Bill introduces a provision for deemed approval, under which applications pending beyond the prescribed timeline will be treated as approved. It also proposes self-certification for specified low-risk activities, including fire safety, building plan approvals, pollution-related permissions and low-tension electricity connections.
Businesses already registered under GST, FSSAI, the MSMED Act or Labour Codes would not be required to obtain separate trade licences or Shops and Establishments registrations, reducing multiple compliance requirements.
Another key proposal is a three-year exemption from routine inspections after registration. Inspections would be conducted only in cases involving serious complaints. The Bill also seeks to adopt a Negative List approach, allowing businesses to undertake any activity unless it is specifically prohibited.
The government has also proposed relaxing development control norms in notified industrial areas by easing restrictions on floor area ratio (FAR), setbacks and building height.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.