NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has called for risk-based regulation in which the State is “firm where risks are high, and light-touch where risks are low.” He made the remarks at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, reported on October 3, 2026.
The three-day conclave, themed “Resilience in an Age of Flux,” brings together policymakers and economists from about 30 countries to discuss India’s economic priorities.
What Does Risk-Based Regulation Mean in Gauba’s Framing?
Gauba argued that regulatory requirements should be proportionate to the level of risk involved, while keeping rules predictable for businesses. He rejected the idea that regulation and growth are competing goals, saying regulators should focus on managing risks while supporting innovation, competition and investment.
What Changes Did He Recommend for Regulators?
According to the report, his recommendations were: assess whether intervention is necessary before regulating emerging sectors; improve coordination among regulators to remove duplication; pair regulatory independence with transparency and accountability; and strengthen regulators’ expertise and analytical capabilities.
Market and Trade Reaction
No market reaction, industry-body statement or formal government notification linked to these remarks was found in the sources reviewed. The comments are a policy view expressed at a conference, not a notified rule change.
What Happens Next?
The conclave continues until October 5. Industry should watch whether the ideas are taken up in regulatory reform proposals from NITI Aayog or the Union government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajiv Gauba?
He is a Member of NITI Aayog, India’s government policy think tank, and spoke at the Kautilya Economic Conclave on risk-based regulation.
What is risk-based regulation?
It is an approach where the strictness of rules matches the level of risk: firm where risks are high and light-touch where they are low, with predictability for businesses.
Is this a new law or rule?
No. It is a policy position stated at a conference, and no new notification was reported.
Leave a comment