Critically assess the readiness of India for the World Bank B-READY assessment.

Q. Critically assess the readiness of India for the World Bank B-READY assessment. (15 marks, 250 words)

The World Bank's B-READY (Business Ready) framework, which replaced the discontinued Doing Business Report and evaluates over 180 economies across ten topics of the business lifecycle, is scheduled to assess India in 2026 [1]. India enters this exercise better prepared than a decade ago, yet its readiness is uneven.

Grounds for readiness - Regulatory simplification: over 47,000 compliances reduced by November 2025 — 16,108 simplified, 22,287 digitised, 4,458 decriminalised [3]. - Decriminalisation: the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, decriminalising 717 minor offences, replacing jail terms with graded penalties [2]. - Competitive federalism: BRAP 2026 (8th edition) and district-level D-BRAP align States/UTs, where much B-READY delivery actually occurs [3]. - Digital Public Infrastructure enables single-window clearances and paperless incorporation, aiding the "operational efficiency" pillar [3].

Persisting gaps - B-READY weights de-facto implementation, not just laws; on-ground service delivery and dispute-resolution timelines remain weak links. - Reforms concentrate at the Centre and leading States; laggard States and municipal-tier bottlenecks (utility connections, land, contract enforcement) can drag the score. - FDI rose to USD 748.38 billion during 2014–25, signalling confidence, yet judicial delays and labour-code operationalisation stay unfinished [3].

India's statutory and digital scaffolding is substantially ready, but assessed outcomes hinge on last-mile execution across all States. Sustaining D-BRAP momentum, accelerating dispute resolution and closing the law-to-practice gap will convert reform intent into a strong B-READY showing, advancing the Viksit Bharat investment goal.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. India's EoDB Performance Strengthened; World Bank B-READY Assessment Scheduled in 2026 — PIB (PRID 2225808) — B-READY 2026, 10 topics, successor to Doing Business Report 2. Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 — PIB (PRID 2248831); PRS Bill Track — 784 provisions, 79 Acts, 717 decriminalised 3. Government Advances EoDB Reforms Through BRAP — PIB (PRID 2204665) — 47,000+ compliances reduced, BRAP/D-BRAP, DPI, FDI USD 748.38 bn