India, Nov. 18 -- Deregulation is among the most consequential administrative reforms undertaken by the State. India's ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, reduce paperwork, and replace imprisonment with monetary penalties mark a decisive shift in governance, enhancing predictability, lowering transaction costs, and signalling trust in citizens and enterprises. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 embody this transition from a permission-and-penalty regime to a trust-based government. Yet, beyond these efficiency gains lies a larger question: Do they fulfil the true purpose of deregulation? With the Prime Minister calling for deeper reforms and announcing a High-Le...