AP second best for doing business: Report

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh has stood second in the list of states in rapidly implementing business reforms, a study conducted by the World Bank and the Union government’s department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) has shown.
This ranking could provide AP a big fillip in attracting investments. Telangana stood at 13th position in the list.
Seen largely as a move to improve India’s image as an investment-friendly destination, the World Bank and the government of India on Monday released state-wise report on ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’, which ranked Gujarat on top with a score of 71.14 % out of 98-point reform measures, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 70.12% score.
While Jharkhand was ranked third with 63.09 per cent, Chhattisgarh came fourth with 62.45 per cent and Madhya Pradesh fifth with 62 per cent score.
The study assessed the states on various key parameters such as ease of setting up business; allotment of land and obtaining construction permit; complying with environment procedures; complying with labour regulations; obtaining infra-related utilities; registering and complying with tax procedures; carrying out inspections and enforcing contracts.
Higher rankings on the index indicate better, usually simpler regulations for businesses and stronger protections of property rights.
The ‘Doing Business Report’ took stock of business reforms implemented by states to facilitate ease of doing business in the country.
Telangana was ranked at 13 in the list, with 42.45 per cent score.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed happiness over the 2nd rank and said it would provide a major boost to investments in the state.
“This shows that we are making an impact through our work and moving in the right direction in building a stronger and vibrant state,” the chief minister said.
“We are now aiming for the number one position. We will soon make it to the list of “leaders” category by falling in the 76-98 point score card,” Naidu said, congratulating the industries department for taking initiatives which made AP investor-friendly.
The World Bank also scrutinized issues like electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority interests, payment of taxes and trading across borders while compiling the report.
The other states in the ‘top10’ list include Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh topped in “aspiring leaders” group followed by Chhattisgarh, while Telangana was listed in “acceleration required” group.
The study was initiated by department of industrial policy and promotion with the assistance of the World Bank, consultancy firm KPMG and industry associations CII and FICCI.