Guwahati, 09 July (HS): The Assam government on Thursday placed a set of key Bills in the Assembly to modernise the state's regulatory framework, improve the ease of doing business and create a more investment-friendly environment by reducing compliance requirements across various sectors.
Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah introduced the Assam Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2026, which seeks to replace the existing 2020 MSME legislation. The proposed law aims to align the state's regulatory framework with recent reforms such as the Centre's Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), digital approval systems, self-certification and single-window clearances, while providing a more efficient mechanism for the establishment and operation of MSMEs.
Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli also tabled the Assam Shops and Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing simplified compliance norms for commercial establishments. The Bill introduces provisions for digital governance, deemed registration, self-certification and 24-hour business operations, while retaining safeguards relating to employee welfare, workplace safety, overtime and weekly holidays.
In another move to strengthen industrial facilitation, the government introduced the Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides for the constitution of a Single Window Task Force to accelerate approvals for projects in notified industrial areas. The Bill also proposes a dedicated online portal module and allows the task force to engage external agencies for technical support.
The Assembly also witnessed the introduction of the Assam Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend six existing state laws related to private educational institutions, universities, town planning, fire and emergency services, land reclassification and cinema regulation. The amendments are aimed at cutting procedural hurdles, expediting approvals and promoting investment.
Additionally, Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog tabled the Assam Tourism (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes changes to the state's tourism legislation and seeks to repeal the colonial-era Sarai Act, 1867, as part of efforts to modernise tourism governance in Assam.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
