Tripura is preparing the second phase of decriminalisation reforms after reviewing 78 Acts and 73 rules. The proposed changes aim to simplify regulations, reduce criminal penalties, improve ease of doing business and strengthen transparent, investment-friendly governance across the state.
Tripura has initiated preparations for the second phase of its decriminalisation reforms, aiming to simplify the state’s legal framework, reduce regulatory burdens and create a more business-friendly environment. The state government has completed a comprehensive review of 78 Acts and 73 rules, identifying provisions that require amendments or repeal to improve administrative efficiency and ease of doing business.
The proposed roadmap for the next phase of reforms was discussed at a regional workshop on decriminalisation, the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) and the District Business Reform Action Plan (DBRAP), organised at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala on Thursday. The workshop brought together senior administrative officials and policymakers from different Northeastern states to discuss regulatory reforms, governance improvements and simplified compliance procedures.
Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte and other senior government officials attended the programme. Discussions focused on reducing unnecessary procedural complexities, strengthening administrative transparency, improving public service delivery and developing a more citizen-centric regulatory system.
Addressing the gathering, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte highlighted the progress achieved by Tripura during the first phase of its decriminalisation initiative. He informed participants that the state had repealed six outdated laws and amended four others as part of its efforts to modernise existing legal provisions.
Under the first phase, several offences that previously attracted imprisonment have been converted into monetary penalties. Provisions under various legislations, including municipal regulations, nursery-related laws, industrial legislation and the Fire Services framework, which earlier carried imprisonment of up to six months, have been replaced with fine-based penalties.
Explaining the preparations for the second phase, Gitte said extensive consultations had been conducted with multiple government departments. In collaboration with National Law University, Tripura, and the concerned departments, the government completed a detailed examination of 78 Acts and 73 rules to identify outdated, unnecessary and restrictive provisions requiring changes.
The government is planning to place the proposed amendments before the State Cabinet during the second week of December. Following Cabinet approval, the necessary ordinances and other legal measures are expected to be initiated to implement the proposed reforms.
Several important legislations have been identified for amendments in the upcoming phase. These include the Tripura Agriculture Produce Markets Act, Tripura Housing Board Act, Tripura Municipal Act, Tripura Public Premises Act, Tripura Panchayat Act, Tripura VAT Act, Tripura Fire and Emergency Services Act and Tripura Jal Board Act.
Apart from amendments, the government has also identified four obsolete laws for complete repeal. These include three legislations related to the education sector and one concerning agriculture. Necessary modifications will also be introduced in associated rules and subordinate regulations to maintain consistency throughout the legal framework.
Emphasising the importance of public and stakeholder participation, Gitte urged government officials, industry representatives and other participants to identify any remaining criminal provisions in existing laws and regulations. He encouraged them to submit their recommendations to the Industries Department for consideration during the formulation of the second phase.
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The regional workshop also provided an opportunity for Northeastern states to exchange experiences and share best practices concerning regulatory simplification and business reforms. Participants discussed how reducing unnecessary criminal provisions and streamlining administrative procedures could encourage investment, improve institutional efficiency and establish a more predictable business environment.
The second phase of decriminalisation reforms is expected to build on the achievements of the initial initiative and further modernise Tripura’s administrative and legal framework. By replacing disproportionate punitive provisions with practical compliance mechanisms, the state government aims to strengthen ease of doing business, promote investment opportunities and advance transparent, efficient and citizen-friendly governance.
