The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued a significant notification, S.O. 4852(E), dated 23rd October 2025, reorganizing the structure of Regional Directorates across India under the Companies Act, 2013. This notification, issued in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 396(1) of the Act, supersedes the earlier notification G.S.R. 832(E) dated 3rd November 2015, marking a major update in the administrative framework of corporate regulation.
The new structure will take effect from 1st January 2026, ensuring a more regionally balanced and efficient system for managing corporate affairs in India.
Purpose of the Notification
The reorganization of the Regional Directorates aims to enhance efficiency, decentralize decision-making, and strengthen oversight under the Companies Act, 2013. With the growing number of companies and complex compliance requirements, the MCA’s decision ensures that regulatory functions are more effectively distributed across regions.
This restructuring also aligns with the government’s larger vision of improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and creating a more responsive corporate governance ecosystem.
New Structure of Regional Directorates
The notification establishes ten Regional Directorates, each with well-defined jurisdictions. These offices will discharge the functions conferred upon them by the Companies Act, 2013 or delegated by the Central Government. The new structure is as follows:
- Northern Region Directorate I – New Delhi
Jurisdiction: State of Uttar Pradesh and National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. - Northern Region Directorate II – Chandigarh
Jurisdiction: States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Union Territories of Chandigarh, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir. - North-Western Region Directorate – Ahmedabad
Jurisdiction: States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. - Western Region Directorate I – Mumbai
Jurisdiction: State of Goa, Union Territory of Daman and Diu, and the districts of Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban. - Western Region Directorate II – Navi Mumbai
Jurisdiction: All other districts of Maharashtra except Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban. - Southern Region Directorate – Chennai
Jurisdiction: State of Tamil Nadu, and Union Territories of Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. - South-Western Region Directorate – Bangalore
Jurisdiction: States of Karnataka, Kerala, and Union Territory of Lakshadweep. - Eastern Region Directorate – Kolkata
Jurisdiction: States of West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. - North-Eastern Region Directorate – Guwahati
Jurisdiction: States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. - South-Eastern Region Directorate – Hyderabad
Jurisdiction: States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana.
Continuation of Functions under the Companies Act, 1956
The notification further clarifies that the Regional Directors will continue to exercise powers under the Companies Act, 1956 for those provisions of the old Act that remain in force. This ensures a smooth transition and continuity in the administration of pending or legacy matters under the previous law.
Significance of the Reorganization
This move by the MCA is a crucial step toward improving the administrative reach and functional specialization of the Regional Directorates. It is expected to:
- Strengthen corporate compliance monitoring and enforcement;
- Reduce response times for regulatory approvals and adjudications;
- Improve coordination between regional and central offices; and
- Provide businesses with easier access to regulatory authorities.
By decentralizing authority and redefining jurisdictions, the MCA reinforces its commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and business-friendly regulatory environment for companies operating in India.
Effective Date
The new structure will come into force on 1st January 2026. From that date, all regional administrative functions, approvals, and compliance-related matters under the Companies Act will be handled by the respective Regional Directors as per their notified jurisdictions.
This reform marks another progressive step in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize corporate regulation and strengthen governance across India’s corporate ecosystem.