Nagaland Labour Department proposes mandatory online registration and licence renewal to improve ease of doing business
Proposed digital platform aims to reduce processing time, compliance costs and human interface
DIMAPUR — The Labour department has proposed introducing a mandatory online system for registration, licensing and renewal of licences under the Factories Act and the Nagaland Shops and Establishments Act to streamline procedures and improve the ease of doing business in the state.
The proposal was highlighted during a district-level training programme on online registration and renewal of labour-related services organised by the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, on Tuesday.
Speaking as the resource person, Deputy Commissioner (Factories and Boilers), Labour department, Vikeheto Naki, said the Labour Commissioner, Nagaland, had proposed issuing an executive order mandating online processing of all fresh registrations and renewals under the two Acts.
According to a DIPR report, the proposed system would cover new factory licences, annual renewals and related permissions under the Factories Act, 1948, as amended, as well as the registration of establishments, licence renewals and associated approvals under the Nagaland Shops and Establishments Act.
The system would be integrated into the Labour department's official website, https://labour.nagaland.gov.in/, through a single-window Management Information System (MIS) application.
The portal would facilitate online submission of applications, document uploads and digital payments, along with the digital issuance of licences and renewals featuring QR-code verification.
It would also provide automated alerts for upcoming renewal deadlines and a helpdesk for grievance redressal.
Naki said the proposed system was expected to enhance transparency and accountability by minimising human interface and ensuring uniform processing of applications.
It would also reduce compliance costs and processing time for businesses, improve departmental efficiency and strengthen data management through a digital database of registered factories and establishments for policy planning and monitoring.
The initiative is in line with the Government of India's Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) reforms and recommendations of the Central Task Force under the Priority Area Reforms, which aim to simplify registration and renewal procedures.
The proposal envisaged a statewide rollout following the successful completion of the pilot phase.
It also underscored the need for awareness campaigns and training workshops for employers, entrepreneurs and departmental staff to ensure effective implementation.
Naki clarified that the transition to online services was an administrative and procedural reform under the broader Ease of Doing Business initiative and would not alter the fundamental provisions of the existing laws.
The programme was attended by stakeholders, including the administrator of the East Dimapur Town Council, the president of the Business Association of Nagaland, factory owners and representatives of the Petrol Pump Union.