The Gujarat government has passed the 'Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026,' allowing commercial establishments including malls and restaurants to operate 24 hours a day. This move aims to reduce regulatory burdens and attract global investments.
- Commercial establishments like shops, malls, and restaurants can now operate 24/7 in Gujarat.
- The 'Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026' amends five distinct state laws.
- Labor rights, working hours, and employee safety regulations remain unchanged.
- Registration processes are now streamlined via self-declaration and self-certification.
In a landmark move to bolster the state's economic landscape, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly has passed the 'Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026'. Minister of State for Industries, Dr. Jayram Gamit, announced that this legislation will allow shops, malls, hotels, cafes, garages, and showrooms to remain open 24 hours a day.
Previously, strict regulations mandated closures between 2 AM and 6 AM in municipal and state highway areas, and between 11 PM and 6 AM in other regions. Under the new amendment, local authorities and police can no longer shut down establishments based solely on time restrictions, provided that hygiene, traffic, and security norms are strictly followed.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this shift represents a fundamental transition from 'control-based governance' to 'Trust-Based & Risk-Based Governance.' By removing archaic time restrictions, Gujarat is positioning itself as a global hub for investment, aligning with the vision of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat @2047' and preparing for the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit-2027.
This bill is a cornerstone in transforming Gujarat into the world's premier investment destination without compromising public safety or labor rights.
Key Legal Reforms Under the Bill
The legislation integrates amendments across five critical laws to simplify the regulatory environment:
| Act | Key Amendment |
|---|---|
| Shops and Establishments Act, 2019 | Permits 24/7 operations and introduces self-certification for registration. |
| Fire Prevention and Life Safety Act, 2013 | Implements risk-based safety standards to reduce compliance costs. |
| Gujarat MSME Facilitation Act, 2019 | Strengthens 'Right to Business' and integrates 8 additional state laws. |
| Gujarat Medical Council Act, 1967 | Simplifies registration for doctors from other states via self-declaration. |
| Right of Citizens to Public Services Act, 2013 | Introduces tech-driven 'auto-appeal' and 'auto-escalation' for grievances. |
Dr. Jayram Gamit emphasized that the primary goal is to eliminate unnecessary procedural complexities. He clarified that the 24/7 operation facility does not imply forced overtime for employees; all existing labor laws regarding rest intervals and working hours will continue to be strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will employees be forced to work 24 hours?
No. The bill allows the establishment to stay open, but employees will continue to work in shifts as per existing labor laws and employment contracts.
Q2: Is it mandatory for all shops to stay open 24/7?
No, it is an optional facility. Business owners can decide their operating hours based on their operational capacity and demand.
