Dulloo calls for time-bound deregulation to boost EoDB in J&K
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the concerned Administrative Secretaries to review the progress achieved under the next phase of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) programme and assess the implementation status of the identified deregulation and compliance reduction reforms across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was convened to evaluate the progress of priority reforms being coordinated by the Department of Industries & Commerce under Phase-II of the Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative.
Addressin the meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive review of reform measures across various departments, urging Administrative Secretaries to ensure timely and coordinated implementation. He highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory burdens, simplifying procedures, and enhancing the business ecosystem to promote investment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary directed departments to expedite the resolution of outstanding reform issues, particularly those pending reconsideration on the central portal, to meet established timelines. The Commissioner Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, reported that out of 28 identified Priority Areas under the reform program, nine reforms have been fully accepted by the Government of India, while sixteen are currently being implemented. One reform awaits acceptance, and two have been returned for reconsideration. Details shared by the Director of Industries & Commerce, Arun Manhas, included accepted reforms such as the liberalization of regulations for shops and commercial establishments, increased frequency of SEAC/SEIAA meetings, and the establishment of a land bank for degraded forests. Other accepted measures involve the elimination of minimum land requirements for private universities and the appointment of a single nodal agency for healthcare licenses, alongside improvements to the Single Window System. The Chief Secretary also reviewed proposed reforms requiring legislative action, including the elimination of land use change requirements, demand-driven zoning, and the optimization of industrial land use. Additional proposals include simplifying medical practitioners’ registration and introducing an affidavit-based clearance system under the Right to Business framework. The meeting further addressed the status of reforms aimed at streamlining building permission processes, simplifying licensing under the Weights and Measures framework, promoting affordable tourist accommodation, and removing regulatory requirements for private schools. The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory framework, emphasizing that effective implementation of these reforms would significantly improve the ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir, reduce compliance burdens, and enhance the region’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Flash Floods Hit Bandipora as Rains Lash J&K, MeT Forecasts Wet Weather Till Aug 4
Srinagar : Moderate to heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, while a cloudburst triggered flash floods in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Reports said that cloudburst struck the Nagmarg area, sending a massive surge of muddy water and debris into downstream villages, inundating low-lying areas and farmland, and forcing residents to evacuate to safer locations. Officials confirmed the situation is being monitored with damage assessments underway, and no loss of life has been reported. Heavy showers were also reported across Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar, while Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C. The MeT Department has warned of localized flash floods, mudslides, landslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, advising the public to stay away from streams and nallahs. Wet weather with spells of light to heavy rain is forecast to continue across the region through August 4, with peak heavy rainfall expected in the Jammu division and Udhampur on the night of July 30, prompting authorities to advise residents and travelers to follow official safety advisories.
