Business eGovernance is allowing more people to start businesses by receiving assistance at their fingertips, including all the online application forms.

With an increase in the number of businesses starting, economies around the world are flourishing or working toward it, after the global slowdown brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. However, when working in the public space, there are several rules and multiple registrations that companies have to mandatorily complete. Most of these have to be worked on with Government offices and can be quite tedious. However, to improve the way companies function, making sure they leverage all the resources available to them, the Indian Government created a business eGovernance platform that entrepreneurs can use.

When a business entity begins employing people for any business enterprise in any capacity, whether casual workers, full-time employees, contract-based, they have to get a Shop Establishment Certificate. The certificate has to be on display at the establishment, serving the primary purpose of regulating work conditions and ensuring workers’ rights. The certificate that they receive is sometimes casually referred to as a shop licence.

The registration, although serving the same purposes across the country, does not follow the same rules and documentation, since the rules relating to a specific state govern the Act. Applying under the Act is a necessity when establishing a hotel, shop, or any commercial place. Establishments and businesses are allowed to take 30 days since post starting running their business to get through the registration, with the process taking a minimum of three weeks so they should begin both, the registration process and their business around the same time.

In most parts of the country, the registration is valid for a year, and post-inspection, applicants can review it. However, there are a few exceptions that allow companies to apply for a shop licence lasting more than a year, but they have to renew them all the same. Whenever candidates go through the renewal process, they have to provide paperwork about the previous year and be aware that there would be another inspection.

To make the process a little more convenient for people, the information about registrations, including their details are available online. Applicants can download the forms and list of documents they need, and submit them. The website even allows them to upload their details online and post the review of all documents. Applicants then receive a date for the inspection.

When individuals are planning on running companies working in the business of food, at any stage, they are responsible for the customers and the people that they work alongside. Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License. There are a few additional registration rules that come into play when dealing with eatables, while there are also varying options for companies who are getting through the registration process.

FSSAI registration is the first step in the process of applying for a food licence. Businesses have to register under the FSSAI and provide information on the size, number of branches they have, and turnover to apply for their respective business licence. They might have to consult an expert for a better understanding of the information before getting through the application process. Furthermore, if the information changes, for instance, there is an increase in turnovers, or the company considers moving to a larger number of India states, they would have to amend their registration in the following year.

Applicants who get through the process receive a 14-digit registration or license numbers, which they have to print on all the food packages. The registration number provides information about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure aims to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

Applicants can decide to get through the process online or through the office depending on their preference. Furthermore, all the information and forms are available online, and they can use the information when they are getting through the process.