About the Project

CUTS is implementing this project in partnership with Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) to assess the policy environment respect to its ability to facilitate ease of conducting business and promoting corporate conduct in India. The initiative aims to raise awareness thereof, to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable business development in the country. The project is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi (India).

It would be implemented by undertaking research to comprehend constraints in business regulation across select states of India and in such a prevailing environment, how best to motivate corporate entities to emerge as champions of responsible business conduct.

The project goal would be to stimulate better business to achieve sustainable development objectives in India.

The Indian economy is the second largest growing economy after China. Indian economy has been propelled by the liberalisation policies that have been instrumental in boosting demand as well as trade volume. The opening up of Indian economy has led to free inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) along with modern cutting edge technology, which propelled India's economic growth. Deregulation of Indian economy has played a big role in the impressive growth of  private sector, however to ensure that steep growth continues and benefits all segments of society, it is important to further iron out regulatory bottlenecks for the private sector and to promote culture and values of  being 'A Responsible Corporate Citizen'. 

CUTS International through its various interventions aspires to make economic progress in India, efficient, inclusive and responsible. It is our endeavor to create an environment and capacity in India to foster growth that is hurdle-less and well integrates elements of sustainable development. It is with this goal in mind that CUTS has designed this project. 

The project objectives are as follows:

• Address the regulatory and operational constraints faced by businesses in India

• Motivate firms to adopt ‘good corporate conduct’

• Evolve a policy discourse between business community and policymakers to facilitate a policy environment that promotes business development in a sustainable manner.

The project would be implemented over the period from March 2011 to October 2012.