The idea is to ensure physical distancing and fast-track clearance of goods, saving costs for importers
The coronavirus pandemic is reshaping how the government is interacting with businesses and its citizens.
With the pandemic-related disruptions upending processes that need physical inspections and lengthy paper trails, the government is shedding its rigid ways to adopt new systems, including digitization, to eliminate hurdles for businesses.
For instance, when finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman met businesses in mid-February when the outbreak was raging in China, the biggest fear conveyed by executives was a shortage of raw materials from India’s northern neighbour, with supplies barely lasting two to three weeks.
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That set off a series of steps to overhaul India’s handling of cross-border trade. And, on 8 June, a critical experiment in customs reforms—faceless assessment—went live. Such assessments have now been rolled out at Chennai and Bengaluru, starting with mechanical, electrical and electronic machinery, and will be gradually scaled up across the country by the end of the year. The idea is to eliminate discretion in decision-making, ensure physical distancing and fast-track clearance of goods, saving time and costs for importers.
Source: livemint
