Srinagar, March 11, 2025 – In a bid to bolster economic development and streamline operations for businesses, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, has directed officials to identify and eliminate outdated regulations that hinder the region’s growth. The announcement, made during a high-level administrative meeting on Monday, underscores the union territory’s efforts to enhance its business environment and attract investment.
Atal Dulloo emphasised that many existing rules, some dating back decades, no longer serve their intended purpose and instead impose unnecessary burdens on entrepreneurs and industries. “We must simplify processes and remove compliances that are obsolete in today’s context,” he stated, highlighting the need for a modern regulatory framework to support sectors like tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing—key pillars of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
The Chief Secretary’s directive comes as part of a broader push to align Jammu and Kashmir with India’s national “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, which aims to reduce red tape and improve regional competitiveness. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the union territory has been transitioning to a new administrative structure, prompting calls to overhaul legacy laws that predate this shift. Officials have been tasked with conducting a comprehensive audit of current regulations, consulting stakeholders, and proposing actionable reforms within a stipulated timeline.
While specific regulations targeted for elimination were not detailed, sources suggest the review could focus on simplifying licensing for tourism-related ventures, easing land-use restrictions for industrial projects, and reducing paperwork for small businesses. Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, a major economic driver, has long faced complaints about bureaucratic hurdles, such as multiple permits required for hospitality and adventure activities. Similarly, apple growers and handicraft producers have sought relief from outdated trade and export rules.
Local business leaders welcomed the move. “This is a step in the right direction,” said Zahoor Ahmed, a Srinagar-based hotelier. “Simplifying regulations will help us recover faster and compete better, especially after years of challenges.” The region’s economy, battered by decades of conflict and the recent pandemic, has shown signs of revival, with tourist arrivals rebounding in 2024. However, analysts note that sustained growth requires structural changes beyond seasonal gains.
Dulloo also stressed the importance of stakeholder input, instructing departments to engage with industry associations and entrepreneurs to pinpoint pain points. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that a report outlining proposed changes could be ready by mid-2025, with implementation to follow pending approval from the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
The initiative reflects a pragmatic approach to governance as Jammu and Kashmir seeks to shed its image as a challenging business destination. With the central government pushing for infrastructure development and economic integration, the elimination of outdated regulations could pave the way for private investment and job creation in the region.
As of now, the Chief Secretary’s office has not released a detailed action plan, but announcement signals a clear intent to modernise the union territory’s economic framework. For businesses long navigating a maze of red tape, the promise of reform offers a glimmer of hope.