Guwahati: The Assam government on Thursday introduced six key bills in the Legislative Assembly during the fourth day of the Budget session, proposing reforms in industrial development, ease of doing business, tourism, urban planning, commercial regulation and the development of a satellite city around Guwahati.
The bills, which received Cabinet approval on July 5 ahead of the Budget session, are aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures, encouraging investment and strengthening governance across multiple sectors in the state.
MSME Bill proposes easier business setup
Among the most significant proposals is the Assam Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2026, which seeks to simplify the process of establishing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Under the proposed legislation, MSMEs operating in non-polluting sectors will be allowed to establish and operate their businesses without obtaining prior government approval for the first three years, subject to compliance with prescribed norms.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier said the measure is intended to support small entrepreneurs by reducing procedural hurdles while ensuring that polluting industries remain outside the scope of the relaxation.
Ease of Doing Business Bill strengthens single-window system
The Assembly also introduced the Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes to strengthen the state’s single-window clearance mechanism for industrial and commercial projects.
The government said the amendments are designed to reduce procedural delays, simplify approvals and improve Assam’s investment climate by making it easier for businesses to obtain necessary clearances.
Officials described the proposed changes as part of broader efforts to enhance the state’s industrial ecosystem and attract new investments.
Tourism Bill seeks modern regulatory framework
Another important proposal is the Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to modernise regulations governing the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Bill proposes a revised framework for the registration of hotels, homestays and other tourism establishments.
A key feature is the repeal of the colonial-era Sarais Act, with its relevant provisions proposed to be incorporated into the new legislation to create a more comprehensive legal framework for the hospitality industry.
The government said the move would help modernise tourism regulations and improve the ease of operating tourism-related businesses.
Jan Vishwas Bill proposes planning and cinema reforms
The Assam Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026 proposes amendments relating to town and country planning as well as land reclassification rules.
It also seeks to simplify the process of establishing cinema halls and multiplexes by transferring licensing powers from the state government to the respective District Magistrates.
The proposed decentralisation is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage greater private investment in the entertainment sector.
Shops and Establishments law to be updated
The government also introduced the Assam Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
According to the government, the amendments are intended to align Assam’s legal framework with the corresponding Central legislation, ensuring greater uniformity in the regulation of commercial establishments across the state.
Satellite city authority proposed
The sixth proposal, the Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a statutory authority responsible for planning and overseeing the development of the proposed satellite city around Guwahati.
The government dismissed speculation that the project would be handed over to private developers, stating that the proposed authority would function within the government’s own development framework and supervise the city’s planned expansion.
Government aims to improve investment climate
The introduction of the six bills reflects the Assam government’s efforts to streamline governance, reduce regulatory hurdles and strengthen economic development across sectors including industry, tourism, urban infrastructure and commerce.
The proposed legislation will now be taken up for further discussion and consideration in the Legislative Assembly before any final approval.