India's journey from a centrally controlled economy to a more market-oriented one has been marked by significant deregulation efforts. The post-1991 reforms dismantled the 'License Raj', while the post-2014 period saw a renewed and intensified focus on reducing compliance burdens and improving the regulatory environment for businesses, driven by the 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' philosophy.

• 1950s-1980sEra of 'License Raj' - Extensive government controls, industrial licensing, import restrictions.
• 1991Economic Reforms - Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (LPG). Significant deregulation of industries, trade, and finance begins.
• 2003World Bank's 'Doing Business' Report launched, providing global benchmarks for regulatory efficiency.
• 2014New government emphasizes 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' and 'Ease of Doing Business'.
• 2016Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) enacted, streamlining resolution of corporate insolvency.
• 2017Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented, unifying indirect tax regime and simplifying compliance.
• 2020Labor Code reforms initiated, aiming to consolidate and simplify complex labor laws.
• 2021World Bank discontinues 'Doing Business' report; India continues internal reform agenda (BRAP).
• 2022Launch of National Single Window System (NSWS) for investor clearances.
• 2024Continued focus on decriminalization of minor offenses and repeal of obsolete laws (e.g., Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act).
• 2025PM urges state bureaucrats to accelerate deregulation and reduce compliance burden (Current News).

India's journey from a centrally controlled economy to a more market-oriented one has been marked by significant deregulation efforts. The post-1991 reforms dismantled the 'License Raj', while the post-2014 period saw a renewed and intensified focus on reducing compliance burdens and improving the regulatory environment for businesses, driven by the 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' philosophy.

• 1950s-1980sEra of 'License Raj' - Extensive government controls, industrial licensing, import restrictions.
• 1991Economic Reforms - Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (LPG). Significant deregulation of industries, trade, and finance begins.
• 2003World Bank's 'Doing Business' Report launched, providing global benchmarks for regulatory efficiency.
• 2014New government emphasizes 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' and 'Ease of Doing Business'.
• 2016Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) enacted, streamlining resolution of corporate insolvency.
• 2017Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented, unifying indirect tax regime and simplifying compliance.
• 2020Labor Code reforms initiated, aiming to consolidate and simplify complex labor laws.
• 2021World Bank discontinues 'Doing Business' report; India continues internal reform agenda (BRAP).
• 2022Launch of National Single Window System (NSWS) for investor clearances.
• 2024Continued focus on decriminalization of minor offenses and repeal of obsolete laws (e.g., Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act).
• 2025PM urges state bureaucrats to accelerate deregulation and reduce compliance burden (Current News).