Gujarat Passes Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026: Shops Can Now Stay Open 24x7 Across State

The Gujarat Assembly has passed the 'Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026' by a majority vote, ushering in sweeping regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying legal processes for industries and commercial establishments across the state.

Introduced in the House by Minister of State for Industries Dr Jayram Gamit, the legislation amends 12 provisions across five existing state laws. The omnibus reform package focuses on reducing compliance burdens, removing red tape, and leveraging technology-driven governance to boost investment and employment opportunities.

24x7 Commercial Operations and Self-Declaration

Under amendments to the Shops and Establishments Act, businesses and retail outlets in Gujarat can now operate round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, subject to specified terms and conditions.

While the latest amendments bring renewed focus to 24×7 operations, the provision itself dates back to 2019. The Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act, during then-CM Vijay Rupani’s tenure, had already permitted eligible shops and establishments to remain open round the clock.

However, the provision came at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and night curfews severely restricted business hours, limiting its practical implementation. 

The registration process for new businesses has also been streamlined with the introduction of a self-declaration framework, eliminating physical verification hurdles at the entry stage.

Risk-Based Fire Safety and Expanded MSME Framework

The bill overhauls fire safety compliance under the Gujarat Fire Prevention Act by introducing a risk-based categorization system. Standards will now be calibrated according to the building type and actual risk profile, significantly lowering unnecessary compliance costs for enterprise owners.

To strengthen the 'Right to Business' for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), eight additional state legislations—covering power supply, GIDC industrial estates, cooperatives, and irrigation—have been integrated into the existing MSME facilitation framework.

Automated Appeals and Fast-Track Doctor Registrations

In a major administrative shift under the Right of Citizens to Public Services Act, the state is deploying an automated technology system for delayed public service delivery. If a government department fails to resolve an application or grievance within the stipulated timeframe, the system will trigger an automatic escalation ("auto-appeal") to a higher authority without requiring fresh filing from the applicant.

Additionally, amendments to the Medical Council Act allow medical practitioners registered in other Indian states to complete their local registration in Gujarat swiftly through self-declaration.