In a move aimed at easing communication access for small business owners, the Government of India has announced relaxation in licensing norms for sole proprietors using bulk SMS services. This reform, led by the Ministry of Communications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), is designed to reduce the regulatory burden on individual entrepreneurs and enable them to leverage affordable marketing and customer engagement tools without navigating complex procedures. The change is particularly beneficial for sole proprietors operating in sectors such as retail, education, wellness, food services, and local trades, where direct messaging remains a primary mode of outreach.

Under the revised guidelines, sole proprietors will no longer be required to obtain the same level of documentation as larger firms when applying for bulk SMS services through telecom providers or registered messaging platforms. The new rules allow Aadhaar-linked verification for identity and business proof, eliminating the need for company incorporation documents or digital signature certificates. Furthermore, the relaxation enables faster onboarding with authorized SMS aggregators and permits the use of sender IDs that are personalized and directly linked to the proprietor’s business name. This simplified model has already been implemented on a pilot basis in select states, showing encouraging results in terms of adoption.

Officials stated that the intent behind this policy shift is to democratize digital communication tools and support small business growth, especially in rural and semi-urban markets where sole proprietors make up a majority of the business base. The reform is also expected to reduce costs and delays previously associated with approval processes, enabling micro-entrepreneurs to run SMS-based promotions, order confirmations, service reminders, and payment updates more effectively. Industry observers and trade associations have welcomed the move, calling it a vital step toward inclusive digital access and enhanced customer connectivity for India’s smallest yet most dynamic business segment.