Archive · 13 Nov 2025
ASSOCHAM Urges Streamlined Approvals and Simplified MSME Compliance
Imagine starting a business is like building with blocks.
ASSOCHAM, a group of Indian businesses, says that building these blocks is sometimes too complicated and slow.
They want the government to make the rules simpler and faster, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
They suggest creating a 'single window' system where businesses can get all their approvals in one place online, like a one-stop shop.
This would replace the many different places they have to go now, which cause long waits.
For MSMEs, they want one simple form to fill out each year instead of many, and maybe only need to do it every two or three years.
They also want easier rules for land use and better roads and electricity.
By making things easier and faster, businesses can grow better, attract more money, and create more jobs for everyone.
ASSOCHAM recommends digitized and time-bound Single Window Systems to streamline approvals and improve the investment climate in Indian states.
The report calls for simplifying land-use, zoning procedures, and rationalizing approval fees, alongside strengthening essential infrastructure.
A proposal is made to create a single, consolidated annual MSME compliance form to combine multiple filings.
ASSOCHAM suggests introducing biennial or triennial filing cycles for registered MSMEs to reduce compliance burdens under the Companies Act.
The study highlights the need for true, functional single-window systems with clear timelines and accountability in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Who
- The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
- What
- Called for accelerated reforms to simplify business regulations, improve approval systems, and support MSMEs, based on its 'Ease of Doing Business in the Indian States' study.
- When
- In its recent report, leading up to budget considerations.
- Where
- India, with specific insights from 18 states.
- Why
- To enhance the investment climate, improve business competitiveness, attract domestic and foreign investment, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth by building a predictable, technology-driven, and entrepreneur-friendly regulatory ecosystem.
Current Situation
ASSOCHAM's Recommendations for Budget 2026-27
Business Approval Systems
Current Situation
Many states operate fragmented 'multiple window' systems for approvals, leading to bureaucratic delays and inefficiency.
ASSOCHAM's Recommendations for Budget 2026-27
Implement digitized and time-bound Single Window Systems with clear accountability to streamline approvals and enhance efficiency and transparency.
MSME Compliance Burden
Current Situation
MSMEs face complex compliance requirements involving multiple separate filings under various acts.
ASSOCHAM's Recommendations for Budget 2026-27
Introduce a single, consolidated annual MSME compliance form and consider biennial or triennial filing cycles to ease compliance under the Companies Act.
Land and Infrastructure Regulations
Current Situation
Current land-use and zoning procedures, as well as last-mile infrastructure (electricity, roads, water), can be cumbersome and underdeveloped.
ASSOCHAM's Recommendations for Budget 2026-27
Simplify land-use and zoning, rationalize approval fees, and strengthen last-mile infrastructure to improve overall business competitiveness.
- Organization
- Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
- Report Focus
- Second phase of 'Ease of Doing Business in the Indian States' study
- Key Recommendations
- Streamlined approvals, simplified MSME compliance, digitized single-window systems, improved land-use and infrastructure.
- MSME Compliance Proposal
- Single consolidated annual form for AOC-4, MGT-7A, DIR-3 KYC, MSME Form-I, DPT-3; biennial/triennial filing for registered MSMEs.
- Target States for Single Window Systems
- West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh (among others needing improvement)
- Overall Goal
- Enhance India's competitiveness, attract investment, create jobs, and foster inclusive growth through a predictable, technology-driven regulatory ecosystem.