CHANDIGARH, October 14: A delegation of the Chandigarh Business Council (CBC), led by President Ajay Gupta, met Sh. Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, at his office and submitted seven key recommendations aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investor confidence in Chandigarh.

The delegation highlighted major challenges faced by the business community and called for focused administrative reforms to simplify procedures, reduce compliance burdens and create a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly environment.

The recommendations included time-bound approvals and single-window clearances, simplification of Estate Office procedures, rationalisation of business-related charges, improved infrastructure in commercial markets, support for MSMEs and timely payments, institutionalised business grievance redressal, and simplification of GST and excise-related procedures.

The delegation also discussed the possibility of a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for old VAT cases, urging the Administration to explore a practical resolution mechanism that could provide relief to businesses and help settle long-pending tax disputes in accordance with the applicable provisions.

The Council further requested the nomination of a nodal officer to coordinate business-related issues and proposed a meeting with the relevant departments to discuss priority concerns and develop a time-bound action plan.

Appreciating the Finance Secretary’s approach, the delegation acknowledged his receptive and constructive hearing of the issues raised, reflecting a positive spirit of dialogue between the Administration and the business community.

The delegation comprised Ajay Gupta, President; Sanjay Pahwa, General Secretary; Chander Verma, Immediate Past President; Jagdish Arora, Chairman; and Sat Pal Garg, Chief Advisor.

The Council emphasised that a transparent, responsive and investor-friendly administrative framework would encourage fresh investment, support existing enterprises, generate employment and strengthen Chandigarh’s economic competitiveness.

CBC reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with the Chandigarh Administration to facilitate practical solutions, address industry concerns and promote sustainable economic growth in the city.