In ease of doing business, Kerala is now No. 1 among States

Kerala has secured the top spot in the national 'Ease of Doing Business Reforms' rankings. In the latest rankings, Kerala has emerged first in both categories of business and citizen-centric reforms.

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the rankings at the 'Udyog Samagam', a conference of State Industries Ministers in New Delhi on Thursday.

Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev received the Business Reforms Action Plan ’22 (BRAP 22) award from Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal. 

Kerala shines in these areas

Kerala’s top performance in business-centric reforms includes facilitating utility permits and streamlining tax payments. In citizen-centric reforms, the State excelled in nine areas: the online single-window system, ease of issuing certificates through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), certificate issuance by the Department of Revenue, providing utility permits, the public distribution system managed by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, transport sector improvements, and employment exchanges.

The state received over 95% positive feedback in these nine reform areas, reflecting significant strides in improving the 'Ease of Doing Business'. Minister Rajeev attributed this success to effective policy implementation and involvement of local bodies. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of various departments and organisations.

Speaking at the event, Mr Goyal said if all states and Union Territories (UTs) come to one platform for approvals and facilities, it would attract global investment in each state.

Kerala outperforms these States

Kerala's exceptional performance has elevated it from 28th to first place in industry friendliness. The State topped the rankings in nine out of 30 sectors, outperforming Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, which secured second and third places respectively. Andhra Pradesh excelled in five areas, while Gujarat shone in three.