Amaravati, August 19: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly approved the Andhra Pradesh Omnibus (Speed of Doing Business) Bill-2026 on Wednesday. This legislation aims to simplify regulations, streamline approval processes, and create an investment-friendly industrial environment in the state.
On the third day of the monsoon session, Law and Minority Welfare Minister NMD Farooq presented the bill in the house.
Minister Farooq outlined the key objectives of the bill and the proposed simplified procedures. He stated that the government intends to develop a trust-based regulatory framework, enhance the ease of living for citizens, and expedite government processes through this legislation.
He explained that the primary goal of the bill is to implement reforms suggested by the central government, which focus on easing regulations and reducing compliance burdens.
Farooq mentioned that the bill proposes a two-tier institutional framework at the state and district levels under the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Single Window Clearance Act-2002. This aims to ensure systematic monitoring of industrial approvals, including a mandatory escalation process with clear rights.
The minister also announced the implementation of an ‘auto-appeal’ system under the Andhra Pradesh Public Services Delivery Guarantee Act-2017. If an applicant does not receive service within the stipulated timeframe or their application is rejected, they will not need to file a separate appeal.
He noted that if services are not provided within the designated time or an application is denied, the appeal will be automatically registered. The appellate authority will then be required to resolve the matter within 21 days.
The Assembly passed the bill unanimously, which also includes provisions for compensation in addition to directing service delivery in relevant cases.
Farooq explained that fire safety regulations under the Andhra Pradesh Fire Service Act-1999 have been aligned with international standards and guidelines.
He added that the new provisions remove references to the National Building Code and introduce a new system for third-party fire audit agencies for the renewal of fire safety certificates. The bill also includes provisions regarding the inclusion of these agencies in the panel, qualifications, standards, duties, monitoring, and disciplinary rules.
Legislator Ramnajaneyulu praised the bill’s key features and urged the house to pass it.
Following this, Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu announced the passage of the ‘Speed of Doing Business’ Bill after securing the members’ approval.
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