Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Rajiv Gauba Calls for Smarter, Risk-Based Regulation in India
Rajiv Gauba said rules should protect people and the economy without needlessly stopping new ideas or investment.
He explained that risks are different, so rules should be stronger when the risks are high and lighter when they are low.
He said rules also need to keep up with new technology and changing businesses.
Sometimes businesses work across several industries, which can make it unclear which rules apply.
Regulators should work together so rules do not clash or leave important risks uncovered.
Gauba said regulators need freedom to make decisions, but they should also explain those decisions and be held accountable.
He called for regulators to gain more skills and expertise.
He said clear and predictable rules can help India pursue its goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
Rajiv Gauba said regulation should manage risks while making room for innovation, competition and investment.
He urged rules to adapt to geopolitical, technological and economic changes, including AI, cybersecurity and complex business models.
Gauba advocated a risk-proportionate approach: firm rules for high risks and light-touch rules for low risks, while remaining predictable.
He said regulators need independence alongside transparency, review mechanisms and accountability, and called for better coordination to prevent overlap and gaps.
He also called for stronger regulatory expertise and linked predictable regulation to India’s ambition of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
- Who
- Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog.
- What
- He called for adaptable, predictable and risk-proportionate regulation that manages risks while supporting innovation, competition and investment.
- When
- Saturday; the articles do not provide a year or specific date.
- Where
- The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi.
- Why
- Gauba said regulation must keep pace with technological, business, geopolitical and economic change while supporting India’s growth ambitions.
Risk protection and oversight
Proportionate rules and growth
The role of regulation
Risk protection and oversight
Regulation is needed to manage risks and protect safety, consumers, market integrity and systemic stability.
Proportionate rules and growth
Excessive or poorly designed rules can hinder innovation, competition and investment; Gauba called for lighter requirements when risks are low.
Regulatory independence and accountability
Risk protection and oversight
Regulators need autonomy to make difficult decisions without undue influence.
Proportionate rules and growth
Public confidence also requires transparent processes, effective review and accountability for regulatory performance.
- Speaker
- Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog
- Event
- 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave
- Session
- “Regulatory Oversight in an Age of Disruption”
- Location
- New Delhi
- Proposed regulatory approach
- Firm where risks are high, light-touch where risks are low, and predictable in both cases
- Areas of change cited
- Geopolitics, trade and supply chains, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital technologies and business models
- Regulatory governance
- Independence alongside transparent decisions, clear procedures, review and accountability
- Long-term goal mentioned
- India’s ambition to become a developed economy by 2047
