Kerala emerges on top in business and citizen-centric reforms in key categories
- Kerala has emerged the country leader in two categories of business-centric reforms and seven categories of citizen-centric reforms
Highlights:
- Kerala has emerged as a leader in two categories of business-centric reforms and seven categories of citizen-centric reforms in the national rankings released by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Recognition at the State Industries Ministers' Conference:
- The rankings were announced at the Conference of State Industries Ministers held in New Delhi. Kerala’s Industries Minister, P. Rajeeve, received the Business Reforms Action Plan 2022 (BRAP 22) award from the Union Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal. Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, was also present at the event.
Business-Centric Achievements
- Kerala topped two major business-related categories:
- Facilitating Utility Permits for Businesses
- Paying Taxes
- These reforms aimed at simplifying procedures for businesses, allowing them to operate with more efficiency and fewer bureaucratic obstacles.
Citizen-Centric Reforms:
- Kerala was recognized as the top achiever in seven key citizen-centric reform areas:
- Online Single Window System: Simplifying access to various services through a single platform.
- Issuance of Certificates by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Streamlining the process of obtaining certificates.
- Revenue Department Certificates: Easier access to essential certificates provided by the Department of Revenue.
- Utility Permits: Facilitating citizens' access to utilities with minimal delays.
- Public Distribution System: Enhancing food distribution through the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.
- Transport Sector: Improving transportation infrastructure and services.
- Employment Exchanges: Streamlining the job search and recruitment process through efficient employment exchanges.
Positive Feedback and Ease of Doing Business:
- The state received more than 95% positive feedback from businesses in these nine reform areas, showcasing the success of Kerala's initiatives.
- Industries Minister P. Rajeeve remarked, "The rankings acknowledge Kerala's significant progress in improving the Ease of Doing Business by fostering an environment conducive for enterprises to thrive."
Technological Advancements for Service Delivery
- Rajeeve emphasized that the state’s success in prompt delivery of citizen services was largely due to leveraging cutting-edge technology, including digital tools to streamline processes.
Key Officials Present
- Principal Secretary (Industries and Commerce) APM Mohammed Hanish, Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) S. Harikishore, and KSIDC General Manager Varghese Malakaran were also present at the event.
Prelims Takeaways:
- Business Reforms Action Plan 2022