Lucknow, 28 August: In line with the mantra of Reform, Perform, Transform of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has started taking big steps towards industrial and labor reforms in the state. The state is preparing to abolish about 99 percent of criminal provisions of 13 state acts related to industry and trade. If this happens, Uttar Pradesh is going to become the first state in the country, which will convert criminal provisions into non-criminal category on such a large scale from the point of view of practicality.
In a high-level meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that taking new steps to further strengthen the ease of doing business is the need of the hour. It is equally important that along with industrial development, the safety and facilities of workers are guaranteed. Embracing the spirit of ‘Shramev Jayate’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have to make such reforms, which prove beneficial for both entrepreneurs and workers.
On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the state government is soon going to bring the ‘Sugamy Vyapar (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025’. Under this, many laws including Excise Act, Molasses Act, Tree Protection Act, Revenue Code, Sugarcane Act, Ground Water Act, Municipal Corporation Act, Plastic Waste Act, Cinema Act and Area and District Panchayat Act will be given a more practical form. Where earlier there was a provision for imprisonment, now there is a plan to give priority to more financial penalty and administrative action.
While discussing the new provisions, the Chief Minister said that it is the need of the hour to eliminate unnecessary punitive provisions and implement a transparent and fair system in their place.
It was informed in the meeting that opinions have been taken from 14 concerned departments on this bill. Most of the departments agree, while some have lodged objections.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed that the objections and suggestions should be seriously considered and the bill should be given such a form which is balanced between the interests of industry and workers.
Simplification of labor laws was also discussed in the meeting. The proposals include steps like increasing the duration of factory license, making practical changes in the rules of shops and establishments and providing more opportunities to women.
Chief Minister said that the system of self-verification and third party audit should be adopted to bring transparency in the inspection system.
He said that while these reforms will reduce the burden of industries, the interests of workers will also be protected. In the series of reforms, ‘Investment Mitra 3.0’ was also discussed. Under this, the application and approval process of investors will be made completely digital and smooth. Features like common application form, PAN-based identity, smart dashboard, multilingual assistance and AI chatbot will be added. The
Chief Minister directed that timely delivery of services and quick resolution of investors’ complaints should be ensured.
He said that the new version of the Investment Mitra portal should be launched soon, which will give new strength to the ease of doing business.