Chhattisgarh Assembly Passes Landmark Ease of Doing Business Bill

The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Thursday passed the Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, aimed at reducing procedural hurdles and simplifying business establishment in the state. The Bill introduces a risk- and trust-based business permission system, which the government claims is the first of its kind in the country.

According to an official statement, the legislation seeks to simplify business establishment and operational procedures, reduce unnecessary compliances, and create a faster, transparent, and investor-friendly ecosystem, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Industries and commercial establishments will be classified by size and risk profile, allowing low-risk businesses to secure quicker approvals while retaining technical scrutiny and physical inspections for high-risk projects.

The Bill brings 43 services offered by eight state departments under the risk-based approval framework, with provisions to add more services after approval by the Executive Council. A three-tier monitoring mechanism has been created, with committees headed by the Chief Secretary at the state level and Collectors at the district level, operating under a council chaired by the Chief Minister.

The government expects the reform to directly benefit over 15 lakh MSMEs by reducing the time and cost of starting and running businesses while maintaining oversight for high-risk sectors. It aims to strengthen Chhattisgarh's transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly business environment.

Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan introduced the Bill in the House. It was passed with a partial amendment after discussion. BJP MLA and former minister Ajay Chandrakar supported the Bill, calling it a landmark reform. In opposition, Congress MLA Daleshwar Sahu argued that the legislation should be introduced only after thorough deliberation and consultation.