Haryana Advances Major Deregulation Exercise, Focus on Faster Approvals and Ease of Doing Business

Chandigarh, August 6: Haryana has stepped up one of its biggest governance reform programmes, with 21 of the 28 priority reforms under the Centre’s Phase-II of Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Exercise either approved or under implementation, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said on Thursday after attending a high-level Centre-State review meeting co-chaired by Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Sh. KK Pathak. 

These reforms are set to revolutionise government service delivery by cutting regulatory obstacles, scrapping unnecessary approvals, embracing digital solutions, and building a stable business climate. Haryana’s efforts promise to empower industries, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, farmers, and citizens through streamlined processes and faster decision-making. 

The review meeting assessed Haryana’s progress across 28 priority areas, including land regulations, industrial development, construction permissions, business licensing, labour reforms, power, environment, healthcare, education, tourism and administrative reforms. Departments presented implementation status and future action plans for completing the remaining recommendations. 

Sh. Rastogi noted that Haryana continues to build strong momentum, driving structural reforms that not only cut compliance costs but also raise the bar for quality governance. 

Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal highlighted new measures to make industrial investment more accessible, such as permitting the subdivision of industrial plots, leasing vacant plots, and simplifying the transition from leasehold to freehold ownership after the lease period. These changes aim to give industries more flexibility and promote smarter use of industrial land. 

He added that industries now benefit from much more flexible development rules under the updated Haryana Building Code, with relaxed FAR, updated ground coverage, and easier setback requirements, paving the way for faster and smoother industrial growth. 

To revitalise ageing industrial estates, Haryana has proposed a dedicated ₹500-crore SAKSHAM Fund. This fund will upgrade shared infrastructure and facilities in key industrial clusters, boosting the competitiveness of established industrial zones. 

He said the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre (HEPC) is being further empowered as the state’s one-stop agency for investment support. The government plans to bring in a professional Project Management Unit to guide investors through every step of the approval process, coordinate across departments, and cut down on delays for statutory clearances. 

The Chief Secretary noted that Haryana is turning to digital governance more than ever to drive efficiency. Key initiatives include launching a Digital Repository for State Acts, Rules and Government Orders, closely tracking service delivery timelines, and enhancing the Auto-Appeal system under the Right to Services framework to bring more transparency and accountability to public administration. 

Sh. Rastogi added that reforms are underway to simplify business licensing, streamline legal metrology, expedite electricity connections, streamline building approvals, and promote self-certification for MSMEs. These steps are set to lower compliance costs and make it easier for businesses to launch and grow in Haryana. 

The Chief Secretary directed all departments to meet deadlines, swiftly resolve outstanding issues, and work closely with the Government of India when central approvals are required. 

He stressed that these reforms aim to build a governance system where approvals come faster, rules are simpler, and public services run more efficiently. 

“Haryana is committed to delivering governance that is simple, transparent and technology-driven. Our focus is on reducing unnecessary compliances, improving administrative efficiency and creating an environment that supports investment, entrepreneurship and employment while ensuring better services for every citizen,” Sh. Rastogi said. 

Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Sh. AK Singh,  Director General, Fire Services, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, Director General, Industries & Commerce, Sh. Yash Garg, Director General, Secondary Education, Sh. Jitender Kumar, Director, Town & Country Planning, Sh. Amit Khatri, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.