Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has taken a major step for encouraging entrepreneurs and facilitating hasslefree business in the state.

The government has eliminated the annual license renewal system for shops and commercial establishments after realising the difficulties faced by the entrepreneurs, a release of the Labour & ESI Department said.

Previously, there was a provision in the Orissa Shops & Commercial Establishments Rule, 1958 that all the registered shops and commercial establishments need to renew their license every year by depositing prescribed fees. Such a provision was felt as a hindrance to the entrepreneurs for running hasslefree business in the state.

In view of the difficulties faced by the entrepreneurs, Government of Odisha eliminated the renewal provision from the Orissa Shops & Commercial Establishments Rules, 1958 in compliance to the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), 2019 vis-à-vis commitment of State Government for "Ease of Doing Business". Accordingly, a notification has been published in the Odisha Gazette on 31.07.2019, the release said.

This will create a business-friendly and conducive atmosphere in the state. The entrepreneurs will prefer Odisha as a destination for establishing shops and commercial establishments. Besides, it will also boost the socio-economic condition of the state, the release added.