The Chhattisgarh Assembly approved the Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The legislation seeks to cut procedural delays and ease the process of setting up businesses in the state. A government statement noted that the measure positions Chhattisgarh as the first state to adopt a risk- and trust-based system for business permissions. The bill targets simpler procedures for starting and operating businesses, fewer compliance requirements, and a quicker, more transparent environment that favors investors, especially micro, small and medium enterprises. Businesses will be grouped by size and risk level, enabling faster clearances for low-risk operations while keeping detailed reviews and inspections for higher-risk ones. Forty-three services from eight state departments fall under the new framework, with scope to include additional services following Executive Council approval. A three-tier oversight structure includes state-level committees led by the Chief Secretary, district-level panels headed by Collectors, and overall guidance from a council chaired by the Chief Minister. Officials anticipate benefits for more than 15 lakh MSMEs through reduced time and costs, while preserving checks on high-risk areas. The bill was introduced by Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan and passed after debate with one amendment. Some opposition members called for further review before enactment.
