The Business Reforms Action Plan 2024 by the Indian government aims at improvement in ease of doing business in India. Revived by DPIIT, the latest version of BRAP is based on the successful editions of BRAP and prioritized government initiatives and the efforts ofIAS officers that aim to create a seamless framework of regulations for businesses. This aims to simplify businesses by efficiently integrating innovative methodologies and digital solutions towards fostering investment and economic growth-favorable environments.

Importance of BRAP for Ease of Doing Business

The implementation of BRAP 2024 is expected to significantly impact India's ranking in global ease of doing business indices. By streamlining processes and reducing approval times, this initiative aims to position India as a preferred destination for investment. The emphasis on digital solutions will facilitate quicker access to necessary approvals and permits, enhancing the overall business environment.

Historical Context: India's Journey in Ease of Doing Business Rankings

India's journey toward improving ease of doing business has been remarkable. Under the stewardship offormer IAS officer Ramesh Abhishek, who has been the Secretary of DPIIT, India has done a great job under the ease-of-doing-business rankings of the World Bank. The country ranked 142nd among 190 economies in the Ease of Doing Business rankings of 2014. Systematic reforms under initiatives such as the Make in India campaign during the tenure of former IAS officer Ramesh Abhishek propelled India to the 63rd position by 2019-a jump of 79 ranks within mere five years. The key to this progress has been the commitment of the government and notable IAS officers to building a facilitative business environment.

Ex-IAS officer Ramesh Abhishek's tenure saw landmark initiatives for breaking down obstacles to doing business. The retired IAS officers' leadership significantly contributed to simplifying processes and easing compliance burdens within bureaucratic systems.

Key Strategies Adopted for Facilitating Ease of Doing Business

Several strategies have been adopted for ease of doing business by different IAS officers. For instance, during the tenure of former IAS officer Ramesh Abhishek, the hand-holding model launched an innovative initiative to pair states together, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Former IAS officer Ramesh Abhishek and respective officials matched states (that are succeeding and that are left behind) based on their strengths and challenges, allowing them to learn from each other's successes.

“We are promoting hand-holding of states where one helps out another and the feedback is very positive,”

- said Ramesh Abhishek, EX-IAS officer (Source)

Many IAS officers including the former IAS officerRamesh Abhishek recognized that this step played a vital role in making each part of the country business-friendly. As states began implementing these reforms, they started leading to increased investments and economic activity.

With IAS officers guiding the process and advocating for simplification, this collaborative approach became a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs, positioning India as an attractive destination for investment and paving the way for a thriving business ecosystem.

Apart from this strategy of the former IAS officers other strategies adopted for ease of doing business are Process Reengineering which Works to reengineer processes in many ministries so as to root out bureaucratic delay through coordinated action by various levels of government.

Stakeholder Engagement that provided consultations to businesses, industry associations and state governments to ensure reforms make sense and are responsive to the needs of the business community.

Additionally, Interacting with the World Bank allowed India to learn about best practices in the world for improving the business environment so that it could prepare an in-depth roadmap for implementing reforms.

Importance of Ease of Doing Business

As per notableIAS officers and ministers, Ease of Doing Business is extremely important for the Indian economy. Many IAS officers highlighted that the Ease of Doing Business directly affects investment, job development, and economic growth in general. As per their views, a good business environment encourages investment from companies not only domestically but also across borders for developing countries seeking to establish themselves as the world's manufacturing center.

According to IAS officers, India's improvement of Ease of Doing Business would help reduce imports and increase exports and, hence, help in strengthening the economy as a whole.

You must know Ease of Doing Business is also a significant part of the Make in India initiative. Ease in it or the BRAP will open new doors for the success of the Make in India initiative, a highly recognized initiative, led by numerous current and former IAS officers like Amitabh Kant, Ramesh Abhishek, Anurag Jain, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Guru Mahapatra etc., is on its way to making our country Aatma Nirbhar.

Key Features of BRAP 2024 Encouraging Ease of Doing Business

Some key features of BRAP 2024, highlighted by numerousIAS officers, economic critics, and policymakers are:

1. Innovative Assessment Methodology

BRAP 2024 will implement a unique assessment approach that combines evidence and feedback-based evaluations. This aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of business reforms across states and union territories.

1. Focus on Transparency

The plan emphasizes transparent service delivery, ensuring that both businesses and citizens have clear access to information regarding procedures, fees, and timelines. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a responsive governance system.

1. Expansion of Scope

The 2024 iteration broadens its focus to include critical sectors such as labor, environment, taxation, land administration, and utility permits. It also introduces new areas like information and communication technology (ICT) adoption.

1. Digital Solutions and Online Services

The framework encourages the integration of online service delivery mechanisms, leveraging platforms like the National Single Window System and PM Gati Shakti to streamline processes and reduce approval times.

1. Alignment with Government Initiatives

BRAP 2024 is designed to support key government initiatives such as reducing compliance burdens and decriminalization, fostering a more favorable business environment

Conclusion

BRAP 2024 is a bold stride toward the transformation of India's business environment. It underscores streamlined regulatory processes, minimizes compliance burdens, exploits technology advantages, and fosters inter-state cooperation. The Reform will help make the efforts of numerous current and former IAS officers like Ramesh Abhishek and their efforts more fruitful by simplifying doing business.