A collective of citizens from Jammu and Kashmir has formally requested the government to reconsider amendments to the Ease of Doing Business Act, citing concerns that the new legislation could undermine crucial planning safeguards and negatively impact the region’s environment and the general populace. The amendments, recently enacted during the autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, aim to transition from a permission-based regulatory system to one governed by rules. Proponents of the change argue it will empower citizens and businesses, fostering an environment conducive to planning, investment, and operational confidence, thereby stimulating employment, attracting capital, and promoting sustained economic growth across the Union Territory.
However, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, who chairs the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), articulated significant reservations about the Act’s practicality and its perceived deficiencies. Speaking to reporters, Ganai stated that while the Act professes to enhance both ease of living and ease of doing business, he believes the latter objective is being pursued at the expense of the former. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the GCC’s core argument is that any legislation disproportionately benefiting a select segment of the business community while creating difficulties for the broader population of 14 million people is fundamentally flawed. Ganai elaborated that even responsible business figures might find the new law problematic due to its broad deregulation, which he fears could lead to a ‘free-for-all’ scenario where existing developmental controls and other state-specific laws are effectively nullified.
The call for a substantial overhaul of the Ease of Doing Business Act stems from a deep-seated concern that its current form could lead to unchecked development. Ganai specifically warned that the widespread facilitation of enterprise setup, as envisioned by the Act, could transform the entire Union Territory into a concrete jungle. This prospect is particularly alarming given Jammu and Kashmir‘s limited arable land, its significant agricultural and horticultural importance, and its challenging topography. The available plain areas, particularly in the valley, are geographically constrained, and the predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain of the UT exacerbates the potential for environmental degradation under a less regulated development regime. The GCC chairman, a retired bureaucrat, emphasized that the law, as it stands, is not practicable and, if implemented without significant revisions, is likely to create substantial problems for the common residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
The amendments to the Ease of Doing Business Act, passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly, represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of the Union Territory. The core of the legislative change involves moving away from a system where businesses and individuals needed explicit permissions for various activities to a framework based on predefined rules and regulations. This approach is intended to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and thereby encourage greater economic activity. The stated objectives include not only making it easier to conduct business but also improving the overall quality of life for residents. Officials have indicated that this regulatory reform is a key component of the administration’s strategy to boost economic development, create job opportunities, and attract both domestic and foreign investment to Jammu and Kashmir. The expectation is that a more predictable and less cumbersome regulatory environment will instill confidence among investors and entrepreneurs, leading to tangible economic benefits for the region.
However, the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) has raised a red flag, questioning the efficacy and potential consequences of this new regulatory paradigm. Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, speaking on behalf of the group, articulated that the Act’s emphasis on facilitating business operations might overlook the critical need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and the well-being of the local population. According to information reaching Tahir Rihat, Ganai’s critique centers on the potential for the law to create an uneven playing field, where the ease of doing business for a few could come at a significant cost to the many. He suggested that the broad strokes of the new Act might inadvertently weaken existing environmental protection laws and land-use planning regulations, which are vital for preserving the unique ecological and aesthetic character of Jammu and Kashmir. The concern is that without robust oversight and stringent planning controls, the region could face irreversible environmental damage and a decline in the quality of life for its residents.
The GCC’s appeal to the government underscores a broader debate about the appropriate balance between economic liberalization and regulatory oversight. While the administration champions the Ease of Doing Business Act as a catalyst for progress, citizen groups are urging a more cautious and nuanced approach. The group’s chairman, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, highlighted that the Act’s provisions could lead to a situation where development occurs without adequate consideration for the carrying capacity of the land, the availability of resources, and the preservation of natural landscapes. This is particularly relevant in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which is characterized by its fragile ecosystem and its dependence on natural resources for tourism and agriculture. The retired bureaucrat’s comments, as reported by The Tribune India, suggest that the current legislative framework might not adequately address these unique regional challenges, potentially leading to unintended negative consequences for both the environment and the local communities.
The call for revisiting the Act is not merely a procedural request but a substantive plea for a more holistic and sustainable development model. The GCC’s position implies that true ease of living and doing business can only be achieved when economic activities are harmonized with environmental preservation and social equity. The group’s chairman, Ganai, has emphasized that the law needs to be fundamentally re-evaluated and potentially overhauled to ensure that it serves the long-term interests of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. The appeal to the government is to engage in a thorough review process, taking into account the concerns raised by various stakeholders, including environmentalists, urban planners, and community representatives, before the Act’s provisions are fully implemented across the Union Territory. This proactive stance by the GCC highlights the importance of public consultation and a balanced approach to policy-making in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.