Delhi LG Sets August Deadline to Complete Pending Deregulation Reforms
Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday directed government departments to complete and notify all pending reforms under the city's deregulation and compliance reduction exercise by the end of August.
Sandhu issued the directive during a review meeting focused on improving the ease of doing business and ease of living in the capital. The meeting was attended by the chief secretary, Municipal Corporation of Delhi commissioner, Delhi Development Authority vice-chairperson, and senior officials from several government departments.
Under Phase-I of the exercise, 13 out of 23 priority areas have been implemented, while four were deemed not applicable following the enactment of new labour codes. Officials noted that the notification of the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 substantially addressed the remaining six priority areas. These cover flexible zoning norms, minimum road width requirements for industries in rural areas, building regulations for industrial and commercial plots, and third-party involvement in building approvals and inspections for low- and medium-risk buildings. The Transit-Oriented Development policy and regulations notified in April are also under implementation.
An official from the LG office emphasised that the measure of the exercise should not be the number of priority areas closed on an administrative portal, but whether citizens experience fewer forms, fewer visits to offices, and faster approvals.
Progress was also reviewed under Phase-II, where seven priority areas have been implemented. These include the removal of dual trade licences by the MCD, perpetual registration for shops and commercial establishments, and electricity connections up to 200 KW without inspection. Additionally, two reforms related to simplified registration for medical practitioners and reduced turnaround time on the Single Window System have been recommended as implemented.
According to officials, 18 other reforms are at advanced stages, two priority areas remain pending with departments, and one has been referred back to the Centre. The revised Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, will be placed before the cabinet for approval, while the Delhi Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services Bill, 2026, has been passed by the assembly with its final notification under process.
Sandhu directed all concerned departments to provide specific timelines for notifying the remaining pending reforms.
