New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has reported progress in easing business regulations through reforms covering startups, taxation, labour laws, foreign investment and digital approvals.
The department has recognised 2,50,046 startups that have reported over 25.42 lakh jobs across more than 770 districts and 56 industries. Startups from non-metro cities account for 52% of the total, while 48% have at least one woman director.
Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, Rs 775.67 crore has been approved for 4,194 startups through 244 incubators. Meanwhile, SIDBI has committed Rs 12,623 crore to 166 Alternative Investment Funds under the Fund of Funds for Startups, which have invested Rs 28,254 crore in 1,475 startups.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has supported 532 loans worth Rs 1,662.71 crore. The maximum guarantee cover per borrower has doubled to Rs 20 crore, while the annual fee has been reduced to 1% for 27 Champion Sectors.
Nearly 48,000 Compliance Requirements Reduced
DPIIT has facilitated the reduction of 47,957 compliance requirements across Central Ministries and States and Union Territories. Of these, 22,290 have been digitised, 16,141 simplified, 5,255 decriminalised and 4,271 eliminated.
The Jan Vishwas Acts have decriminalised 900 provisions across Central laws. States and Union Territories have also implemented over 9,700 reforms through seven editions of the Business Reforms Action Plan.
Labour reforms have consolidated 29 Central laws into four Labour Codes. The threshold for prior permission for lay-off or closure has increased from 100 to 300 workers, while licensing thresholds for contract labour have also been raised.
PESO licence validity has doubled from five to ten years, with its modules digitised and integrated into the National Single Window System (NSWS).
FDI Reaches Record High
India received USD 843 billion in foreign direct investment between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26, 169% more than the USD 313 billion received in the preceding 12 years. Inflows reached a record USD 94.53 billion in FY 2025-26.
FDI rules have been liberalised across 17 sectors. The insurance sector now permits up to 100% FDI under the automatic route for insurers investing their entire premium in India, while the defence sector allows up to 74% under the automatic route for new industrial licences.
Single-Window System Expands Digital Approvals
The NSWS has received 15,49,850 applications, registered 5,76,778 businesses and delivered over 8.5 lakh approvals. It now offers 3,779 Central and State services and is integrated with 34 States and Union Territories and 32 Central Ministries and Departments.
Its Know Your Approvals module helps businesses identify applicable permissions, while automated data entry and digital integration aim to eliminate repetitive paperwork. The portal is available in 22 Indian languages.
Together, these reforms seek to reduce procedural delays, improve transparency and make it easier for businesses to start, expand and invest in India.
