GLOBAL TIMES NEWS | SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 , BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Legislative Assembly has passed the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, marking another step in the state government’s ongoing effort to simplify regulatory procedures for citizens and businesses.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, who introduced the legislation in the House, said the proposed reforms are aimed at reducing unnecessary compliance requirements and creating a more streamlined regulatory environment.
The legislation covers 62 provisions spread across 16 State Acts administered by 11 departments. One of its central features is the proposed replacement of criminal action for certain minor, technical and procedural violations with more proportionate civil penalties. Serious, repeated and wilful violations would continue to attract stronger action.
The Bill also seeks to rationalise regulatory approvals and reduce duplication in permissions. According to details presented by the government, a separate set of amendments is intended to simplify nine regulatory approval processes, including measures relating to licence validity, renewals and certain permissions for commercial and public activities.
Swain’s message around the legislation centred on reducing paperwork, repeated permissions and compliance costs while retaining safeguards linked to public interest, health and safety.
The passage of the 2026 Bill comes after Odisha’s earlier Jan Vishwas legislation enacted in 2025. The latest measure therefore represents a second phase of the state’s regulatory reform programme, with the government seeking to widen the scope of compliance simplification.
The Bill was passed during the Monsoon Session, which was adjourned sine die on September 28, four days earlier than originally scheduled amid disruptions and the prevailing flood situation in the state.
The legislation now becomes part of the state’s broader regulatory reform framework, with its implementation expected to determine how the proposed changes translate into day-to-day procedures for businesses and citizens.
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