The License Raj, a relic of India's regulatory framework post-independence, played a significant role in stifling the nation’s economic development for decades. Under this system, starting a new venture required approval from multiple departments, regardless of their relevance to the business in question. Officials with no connection to entrepreneurship imposed arbitrary conditions, creating an environment where compliance became nearly impossible without resorting to middlemen and bribes.

This bureaucratic tangle not only hindered economic progress but also institutionalized corruption across the country. While the liberalization measures initiated in the early 1990s under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao sought to dismantle this system, the remnants of License Raj persist in various forms, undermining the ease of doing business in India.

A glaring example of this outdated practice is the so-called 'maintenance certificate' required for renewing the licenses of medical stores in the state. As highlighted in the report "Pharmacy License Renewal Rush," this certificate has no legal backing. Despite the Drugs Control Act stipulating that pharmacy licenses are automatically renewed upon payment of a fixed fee every five years, the state Drugs Control Department continues to mandate internal inspections and issue this redundant certificate.

Such practices not only impose an unnecessary burden on traders but also pave the way for corruption. The persistence of this unwritten rule reflects a mindset among certain bureaucrats that prioritizes interference over facilitation. This certificate must be abolished immediately. The central government has already amended the relevant rules to simplify licensing procedures, and state departments should align with these reforms rather than complicate them further.

The rationale for the maintenance certificate is flawed. There are already robust legal frameworks in place to monitor and prevent illegal medical establishments and drug trade. The Drugs Control Department, which is already overstretched and understaffed, should focus on its core responsibilities rather than wasting resources on issuing unnecessary certificates.

As times evolve, so must administrative processes. Simplifying procedures and eliminating redundant requirements are crucial steps toward fostering an environment conducive to business growth. Complex and outdated systems do nothing but entrap honest traders and stymie entrepreneurship. The government must act swiftly to withdraw such regressive practices and ensure that reforms aimed at facilitating business are implemented in letter and spirit.