Prime Minister announced that the Government will set up a Deregulation Commission to Reduce the State's role in governance.

• PM also emphasized government efforts through the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to cut bureaucratic hurdles by reducing regulatory burdens.
• Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0: Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. It aims to decriminalize over 100 outdated legal provisions to enhance ease of doing business.

About Deregulation

• Definition: Deregulation is reduction or elimination of government oversight of an industry.

• Global Deregulation Initiatives: - US: Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE); UK: Better Regulation Framework; New Zealand: Ministry of Regulation.

Significance of Deregulations in Fueling Economic Activity

• Boosts Growth: India needs to increase investment from 31% to 35% of GDP for 8% growth. Deregulation attracts investments. 
  • E.g., Japan and China achieved high growth through deregulation.
• Enhance Economic Freedom: Deregulation removes bureaucratic hurdles, fostering competition. 
  • E.g., Jan Vishwas Act 2023 decriminalized 183 provisions across 42 central Acts, easing business compliances.
• Reduces MSME Compliance Costs: MSMEs, lacks resources to navigate regulations, benefit from deregulation. 
  • E.g., Haryana & Tamil Nadu amended building regulations to ease compliance for small businesses.
• Enhances Competitive Federalism: States learn from each other’s deregulation efforts to improve industrial activity. 
  • E.g., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Haryana relaxed prohibitions on women working night shifts, boosting employment opportunities.

President of India issued Proclamation imposing President’s rule in Manipur. 

• This is the 11^th (last being in 2001-02) such imposition in the state placing the state assembly under suspended animation. 

About President’s Rule

• Constitution: Article 356, provides for the imposition of President’s Rule in the State if the President, based on the report from the State Governor, is satisfied that the government of the State cannot be carried in accordance with the Constitutional provisions. 
  • Additionally, Article 365 provides that if a State fails to comply with any Union directions under constitutional provisions, the President may declare a “Constitutional Emergency.
• Duration and Approval: As per Article 356 (3), it shall cease to operate at the expiration of two months unless approved by both the Houses of Parliament by simple majority. 
  • If approved, can be extended to six months with the maximum extensions of 3 years (parliamentary approval every 6 months). 
• Revocation: By the President by a subsequent proclamation. 
• Consequences:
  • The President acquires extraordinary powers, with the Governor, on her behalf, administering the State with assistance from the Chief Secretary or advisers appointed by the President.
  • President can transfer State Legislature's powers to Parliament.
  • It does not impact the functioning of the High Court. 

In revised bill suggestions of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) have been incorporated as per reports. 

• Earlier, amendments were made in 2013 based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retired) Rajinder Sachar and the Report of the JPC.

About Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• Objective: To amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to improve regulation of Waqf properties.
• Key Provisions: 
  • Inclusive composition of Waqf Management: Involvement of Muslim women and Muslim OBC in Management (Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards).
    • Central Waqf Council: Statutory body established in 1964, to oversee and advise state-level Waqf Boards across India. It does not exercise direct control over waqf property itself.
    • State Waqf Board: It has superintendence over maintenance and administration of Waqf properties.
  • Appeal on orders of Tribunals: Tribunal’s orders may be appealed in the High Court within 90 days.
  • Others: Using technology to improve registration, Separate Waqf Boards for the Aghakhani and Bohra communities, etc. 

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced DBIM to harmonize the government’s Digital presence.

About DBIM 

• The initiative focuses on simplifying and standardizing government websites.
• Aim: To ensure that citizens from diverse backgrounds can easily navigate and access essential government services.
• Objective: To Enhance service delivery, and ensure consistent messaging across ministries, making government priorities more transparent.
• Significance: Will enhance the government's "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" approach by introducing "Uniform Governance”.