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Politics apart, Accenture report shows some states have done better

New Delhi, May 7 (KNN)  About 20,000 visits of dealers to the commercial tax department in Karnataka, were saved per day, long waiting period at border check posts was reduced in Tamil Nadu by barcoding of e-way bills, tax compliance increased in Maharashtra by e-filing and land acquisition process simplified in Gujarat – are the highlights of the state reforms viz a viz ease of doing business measured by a government commissioned Accenture report.
 
While the initiative taken by the Gujarat Government for land acquisition has got itself embroiled in a political slug fest, the Accenture report has brought out how different states which are in the forefront of industrialisation have taken and benefitted from the reforms in governance.
 
These reforms related to indirect tax administration, labour laws, infrastructure and utilities approvals, land and building approvals, environment clearances and other business regulatory compliances, according to the report commissioned by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
 
Gujarat is on top as regards implementing GIS based software to show mapping of land plots; Haryana has done well in creating land banks, while Odisha scores on parameters such as mandatory allocation of land for MSMEs.
 
The study entitled, ‘Best Practices to Improve Business Environment across States / UTs in India,’ was commissioned in the backdrop of India ranking poorly in terms of business environment, problems and restrictions plaguing the business throughout its lifecycle, making it difficult, expensive and cumbersome to start, grow or exit from a business.
 
“There is a clear need to make it easier to do business in India.  Improving the business environment is likely to spur growth and generate employment for millions across the country,” the report said.
 
Ironically, Commerce and Industry minister, Anand Sharma has tried to disassociate from the Accenture report stating it was a private study. 
 
While Sharma’s remarks are political in nature, at the time of elections, the report has enough food for thought for the states and the centre to improve business environment.