More than 204,000 private companies have closed in India over the past five years, the government revealed Monday in Parliament, marking one of the most extensive corporate clean-up operations in the country’s history. The shutdowns, which occurred between 2020-21 and 2024-25, were driven by a combination of business consolidation, regulatory non-compliance, and government enforcement actions under the Companies Act, 2013.
Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra disclosed the data in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, revealing that 204,268 private companies ceased operations during this period due to amalgamation, conversion, dissolution, or being struck off from official records. The fiscal year 2022-23 witnessed the most aggressive action, with 83,452 companies shut down—more than 40% of the five-year total—as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs conducted a massive strike-off drive targeting inactive firms.
Peak Year Reflects Anti-Shell Company Push
The 2022-23 surge came as authorities intensified efforts to eliminate shell companies suspected of facilitating tax evasion and money laundering. That year alone saw 82,125 companies struck off from official records, representing the peak of the government’s regulatory crackdown. The numbers declined in subsequent years, with 64,054 companies closing in 2021-22, 21,181 in 2023-24, and 20,365 in the current fiscal year through July 16.
Overall, 185,350 companies were removed from official records between 2021-22 and the current fiscal year, either for prolonged inactivity or through voluntary removal after meeting regulatory requirements. Under the Companies Act, 2013, entities can be struck off if they fail to conduct business for extended periods or voluntarily after fulfilling compliance obligations.
No Rehabilitation Plans for Displaced Workers
When questioned about employee rehabilitation from these closed companies, Malhotra stated there is currently no proposal before the government to assist affected workers. The minister’s response underscores a policy gap as thousands of employees potentially face job displacement without government support programs.
On the issue of shell companies—entities often used for money laundering—Malhotra noted the term remains undefined under the Companies Act, 2013. However, he affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen inter-agency coordination, stating that suspicious cases are shared with the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department for monitoring. The minister also emphasized the government’s broader tax policy shift toward eliminating exemptions while reducing corporate tax rates to create a simpler, more transparent system.