Agartala, 12th November 2026 : Tripura is preparing to undertake another round of legal and administrative reforms aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles and creating a more business-friendly environment. The proposed second phase of decriminalisation reforms is expected to move to the Cabinet in December.
The roadmap was outlined by Health Secretary Kiran Gitte while addressing a regional workshop for Northeastern states organised at Pragya Bhawan, Agartala, on Thursday. Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha and several senior administrative officials also attended the programme.
The workshop focused on decriminalisation of existing laws, the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) and the District Business Reform Action Plan (DBRAP), with discussions on simplifying regulatory procedures and improving the efficiency of government administration.
Explaining the state’s progress, Gitte said that six Acts had been repealed and four amended during the first phase of reforms, which was confirmed on November 1. One of the major objectives was to replace imprisonment provisions for minor violations with financial penalties.
He pointed out that several offences under municipal regulations, the Nurseries Act, industrial provisions and fire service-related laws, which previously carried imprisonment of up to six months, had been converted into fine-based penalties.
Providing details of the next phase, Gitte said that the government had completed a review of 78 Acts and examined 73 rules after consulting around 40 departments. The exercise was undertaken with the involvement of National Law University, Tripura, and concerned government departments.
The second phase will cover amendments to several important legislations, including 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.
He further revealed that four obsolete Acts, including three relating to education and one concerning agriculture, had been identified for repeal. Amendments to associated rules and regulations would also be undertaken.
According to Gitte, the government is targeting the second week of December to place the proposals before the Cabinet, after which ordinances will be issued to implement the changes.
He also invited suggestions from participants regarding criminal provisions that may still exist in various state Acts and rules, asking them to communicate such matters to the Industries Department for consideration.
The workshop served as a forum for representatives of Northeastern states to share experiences and explore practical approaches to regulatory reforms, with particular emphasis on reducing unnecessary legal complications, strengthening transparency and making governance more responsive to citizens and businesses.
