Unlocking India's Potential:
A Deep Dive into EoDB 2.0
Exploring the Future of India's Business Landscape
Background and Evolution
India has made significant strides in improving its business environment. The journey from a ranking of 142 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report in 2014 to 63 in 2020 showcased the impact of key reforms like GST and IBC. However, with the discontinuation of the World Bank's report, India has embarked on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) 2.0, a more comprehensive and state-focused initiative.
Core Pillars
- Systematic Deregulation: Emphasized by the Economic Survey 2024-25 for enhanced economic freedom.
- State-Led Initiatives: Encouraging competitive cooperative federalism through an "Investment Friendliness Index."
- Reducing Compliance Burden: Simplifying regulations, digitizing processes, and decriminalizing minor offenses (e.g., Jan Vishwas Act, 2023).
- Sector-Specific Reforms: Tailored improvements for sectors like healthcare and registration processes.
- Improving the Regulatory Environment: Enhancing transparency, predictability, and efficiency of regulations.
- Strengthening Contract Enforcement: Improving the commercial court system and alternative dispute resolution.
Latest Data and Facts (2024-2025)
While the World Bank's direct EoDB ranking is no longer available, India's performance in other global indices and ongoing government initiatives provide valuable insights.
| Index | India's Rank (2025) | Top Rank | Published By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Doing Business Index | 63rd (2020) | New Zealand | World Bank (Discontinued after 2020) |
| Global Innovation Index (GII) | 39th | Switzerland | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| Global Competitiveness Index (2024) | 39th | Denmark | International Institute for Management Development (IMD) |
| World Digital Competitiveness Ranking | 49th | USA | IMD |
| Global Trade Performance Index (2025) | 18th | USA | [Source to be added when available] |
*Note: The "Ease of Doing Business Index" data reflects the last available ranking from the World Bank in 2020. Other indices provide insights into related aspects of India's business environment. Some 2025 data may be preliminary or based on the latest available reports.
- High-Level Committee: Formation announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to review non-financial sector regulations.
- Investment Friendliness Index: Framework under development to assess and promote state-level reforms.
- National Single Window System (NSWS): Ongoing integration of central, state, and local approvals.
- Jan Vishwas Act Implementation: Decriminalization of minor offenses across various acts.
- Digitization and Simplification: Continuous efforts by ministries and departments to streamline processes.
Expected Outcomes and Way Forward
EoDB 2.0 is anticipated to drive increased investment, boost entrepreneurship, enhance India's global competitiveness, create jobs, and foster higher economic growth. The path ahead involves continuous monitoring, stakeholder feedback, effective state-center coordination, and leveraging tools like the Investment Friendliness Index.
Conclusion
Ease of Doing Business 2.0 represents a crucial step in transforming India's economic landscape. By focusing on deregulation, reducing compliance burdens, and fostering a competitive environment at the state level, India is striving to become a more attractive and efficient destination for businesses worldwide.

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