Gujarat Passes 24×7 Shops Bill to Boost Ease of Doing Business

The Gujarat Assembly has passed the Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026 which brings in a range of regulatory amendments that make business operation in the state more efficient. The bill amends 12 provisions in 5 state acts with an emphasis on ease of compliance, simplification of approvals and use of technology to provide better government services. Some of the key changes include provisions that allow eligible commercial establishments to work 24/7, self-declaration for new businesses, risk-based fire safety regulation, expanded MSME protection measures and quicker registration for doctors from other states.

What Changes Have Been Introduced in the Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026?

Proposed by the Minister of State for Industries Dr Jayram Gamit, the law aims to ease regulatory challenges and streamline the process for businesses.

Key provisions in the law includes,

24/7 operation of eligible shops and commercial establishments
Self-declaration for the new business registrations
Risk-based fire safety regulation
Enhancement of the MSME facilitation mechanism
Automated appeal process for delayed public services
Quicker registration of doctors from other states

Operation of Shops and Businesses Round the Clock

A notable provision that has been introduced is that eligible shops and businesses may operate 24×7 without any interruption on any day of the week, given certain conditions are fulfilled.

This particular provision is nothing new, in fact, Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act had already allowed certain establishments to operate round the clock from 2019. It was however, affected due to the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath such as night curfews and lockdowns.

Now, there is a revival of regulation in favor of operating businesses round the clock.

Risk Based Fire Safety & Self Declaration for Business Registration

The process of business registration will become easier as now a process of self-declaration will allow less verification initially.

It is noteworthy that the bill has amended the provision for fire safety in the Gujarat Fire Prevention Act.

Increased support for MSMEs

The Bill provides enhanced provisions to the Right to Business framework concerning MSMEs.

A total of eight more state acts have been covered in the MSME facilitation framework, such as electricity provision, GIDC Industrial Estates, co-operatives, and irrigation. The expanded framework is expected to facilitate the MSMEs in understanding the different regulatory requirements.

Automatic Appeals in Case of Delayed Public Services

The Bill provides automatic appeals under the Right of Citizens to Public Services Act.

In case any department is unable to provide resolution of the application or grievance in the prescribed period of time, the matter could be escalated automatically to a higher authority without the need to provide a fresh appeal.