Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), the apex body of public sector enterprises (PSEs) in continuation of its endeavor for creating a conducive policy and business environment for PSEs organized an interactive webinar with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on ‘Ease of Doing Business Initiatives & Business Continuity Measures undertaken by MCA during COVID19’. Manoj Pandey, Joint Secretary, MCA interacted with participants on steps taken to sensitize and facilitate corporates to meet the challenges arising out of COVID 19 besides new initiatives to make business in India corporate-friendly and simplified. The webinar was also addressed by Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, NLC, Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE, and S. Sakthimani, Director (Finance) CCI. The webinar was attended by over 260 participants including several senior members of the public sector fraternity.

Manoj Pandey highlighted the business continuity measures of the Government during the lockdown in the form of virtual offices, regular interactions with industrial bodies, use of online platforms to handle grievances etc. During the presentation, he also highlighted the Government initiatives to provide a simplified business platform to corporates. He explained the use of new Web form - Spice+ whereby multiple compliances for registration are done through a single-window system, electronic filings, and settlement through e-office etc.

Rakesh Kumar in his address to the participants said that the global slump in demand and limited resources can decelerate growth and PSEs role, therefore, becomes important. He also said that the Government’s constructive role and investor-friendly schemes can help the country become a preferred destination for investment. He also encouraged PSEs to adapt innovative platforms like digitalization and utilize opportunities like these webinars to progress their learning.

Atul Sobti (DG, SCOPE) in his address expressed the significance of rising virtual platforms which offer greater access to a wider audience and a great opportunity. Taking cue from Hon’ble Prime Minister, he said that this pandemic has taught us to be self-reliant and self-dependent and PSEs can play a vital role in the country. Sobti also said that India has achieved a significant leap in Ease of Doing Business rankings with the efforts of the Government and PSEs must make the best use of the facilities offered.

S Sakhthimani said that while COVID is a global pandemic, it offers multiple opportunities to PSEs for excellence in performance.