Chhattisgarh is set to strengthen its industrial and business ecosystem with the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, which is expected to benefit more than 15 lakh micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh has become the first state in India to enact this legislation, aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles, simplifying approvals and creating a more investor-friendly business environment.

Under the new Act, low-risk businesses can opt for self-certification, while medium-risk businesses can obtain certification through authorised third-party professionals. The framework also replaces routine annual renewal requirements with risk-based compliance for eligible services. Certain approvals can remain valid throughout the lifetime of a business, subject to prescribed conditions.

Initially, the Act covers 43 services across eight government departments. It also introduces a deemed approval mechanism for eligible applications that are not processed within the specified timelines. However, high-risk establishments will continue to undergo technical assessments and inspections.

The state government has undertaken more than 450 business reforms since December 2023 to improve transparency, simplify procedures and accelerate investment clearances. Through its digital single-window platform, OneClick, investors can access more than 200 services across 25 departments.

Chhattisgarh has also attracted investment proposals worth over ₹8 lakh crore under its Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, with the potential to generate more than 1.6 lakh jobs. Nearly half of the proposed projects are focused on priority sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing and tourism. Around 55% of these projects have already entered the implementation stage.

To encourage entrepreneurship and workforce development, the government is implementing the ₹500-crore Mukhyamantri Startup and NIPUN Mission, which includes entrepreneurship centres across 33 districts, 100 emerging-technology laboratories and five Centres of Excellence.

The state is also offering special incentives to promote industrial development in regions such as Bastar and Surguja, while encouraging investments in manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

These initiatives are expected to improve the business environment, attract fresh investments, strengthen MSMEs and create new employment opportunities, positioning Chhattisgarh as an emerging destination for India's industrial growth.