SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified a framework allowing enterprises to obtain in-principle approval through self-declaration and remain exempt from routine inspections for three years, in a move aimed at easing the process of setting up and operating businesses in the Union Territory.
The General Administration Department (GAD), through a notification issued on November 4, said enterprises obtaining a Certificate of In-Principle Approval (CIPA) under the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, would be protected from routine inspections for three years from the date of issuance of the certificate, subject to the exceptions provided under the law.
The notification, issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government M Raju, IAS, provides that businesses can seek the certificate by submitting a Declaration of Intent through self-declaration under Sections 9 and 11 of the Act.
Under the new framework, the Certificate of In-Principle Approval will serve as approval for prescribed regulatory services and remain valid for three years. During this period, an enterprise can establish, construct and operate its business while obtaining applicable regular approvals within the stipulated three-year period.
The Act provides for the issuance of the certificate within three working days for enterprises located in approved industrial parks and within 30 days for those operating outside such parks. If the competent District Empowered Committee fails to take a decision within the prescribed timeframe, the approval will be deemed to have been granted.
The notification also makes clear that enterprises holding valid in-principle approval will not be subjected to routine inspections during the three-year period. However, inspections may be conducted in cases involving serious complaints and through the competent authority or authorised officers, subject to approval of the Deputy Commissioner or Additional District Development Commissioner, wherever required under the Act.
The framework is based on the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026 (Act No. XI of 2026), which was published in the Official Gazette on October 1, 2026.
The legislation seeks to replace permission-based controls with a rule-based system, under which business activities are permitted by default unless specifically prohibited under the Negative List in Schedule II of the Act.
It also provides for time-bound regulatory clearances, deemed approvals in case of delays, a Single Window System, district-level decision-making through District Empowered Committees and compliance through self-certification or third-party certification for specified activities and approvals.
Under Section 16, an enterprise is free to undertake business activities at any location unless the activity is specifically prohibited under the Negative List.
The notification further refers to Section 23 and Schedules III and V of the Act, which provide for self-certification and third-party certification in respect of specified activities and approvals.
The Government said the measures were intended to provide greater certainty to entrepreneurs, reduce regulatory delays and facilitate the establishment and operation of enterprises across Jammu and Kashmir.
