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India’s business reform trajectory has gained renewed focus with its inclusion in the Business Ready 2026 (B-READY) assessment by the World Bank Group. The B-READY framework replaces the discontinued Doing Business Report (DBR), which was halted in 2020.

Under the last DBR (2019), India ranked 63rd, having improved by 79 ranks over five years. The upcoming B-READY 2026 assessment will evaluate over 180 countries across a modernised and more comprehensive framework.

About B-READY (Business Ready Assessment)

Launched in 2024, B-READY is a global benchmarking exercise to assess the business and investment climate.

Key Features:

• Covers 10 topics across the full business lifecycle:
  • Business Entry
  • Business Location
  • Utility Services
  • Labour
  • Financial Services
  • International Trade
  • Taxation
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Market Competition
  • Business Insolvency
• Structured under three pillars:
  1. Regulatory Framework (de jure laws and rules)
  2. Public Services (infrastructure, digital systems, licensing bodies)
  3. Operational Efficiency (de facto implementation via firm-level surveys)
• Integrates cross-cutting themes such as:
  • Digital adoption
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Gender inclusion

Data is collected through expert consultations and World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES).

Domestic Reform Measures in India

To improve the business climate, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has implemented multiple initiatives under the Ease of Doing Business framework.

1. Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP)

Launched in 2014, BRAP assesses States/UTs on regulatory reforms.

• Seven editions completed (2015–2024)
• Over 9,700 reforms implemented across States/UTs
• Focus areas: single-window systems, building permissions, inspection reforms, digitisation of approvals

2. Reducing Compliance Burden (RCB) Initiative

Launched in 2020, aimed at rationalising redundant compliances.

• Over 47,000 compliances reduced in five years:
  • 16,109 simplified
  • 22,287 digitised
  • 4,623 decriminalised
  • 4,270 eliminated

Under RCB , 4,846 compliances were reduced across 23 commonly implemented Acts.

3. Jan Vishwas Reforms

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 decriminalised 183 provisions across 42 Acts.

The proposed Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 seeks to:

• Amend 355 provisions
• Decriminalise 288 provisions
• Modify 67 provisions to enhance Ease of Living

4. National Single Window System (NSWS)

The National Single Window System (NSWS) provides integrated clearance mechanisms.

• Integrated with 32 Central Ministries/Departments
• Integrated with 33 States/UTs
• Offers access to:
  • 300 Central approvals
  • 3,000 State-level approvals

Provides real-time tracking via an Investor Dashboard.

Significance

These reforms aim to:

• Reduce regulatory overlaps
• Harmonise compliance frameworks across States
• Digitise approvals and reduce turnaround time
• Attract domestic and foreign investment

The B-READY 2026 assessment will evaluate how effectively India’s regulatory reforms translate into real-world business efficiency.