In a landmark move to boost trade and investment, the Gujarat government has passed a bill allowing commercial establishments, including malls and restaurants, to operate round the clock.

  • Shops, malls, restaurants, hotels, and showrooms in Gujarat can now operate 24/7.
  • The 'Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026' removes hour-based closure restrictions.
  • Worker protections, safety regulations, and labor laws remain strictly in place.
  • The reform aligns with the 'Developed Gujarat @2047' vision and the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.

The Gujarat State Assembly has passed the 'Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026' with a significant majority during the final day of the monsoon session. This legislative amendment fundamentally alters the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act (locally known as 'Gumasta Dhara'), stripping away the mandatory closure windows for commercial entities.

Under the previous regime, businesses faced strict time constraints. In municipal corporation zones and along national highways, establishments were required to shut between 2 AM and 6 AM. In other regions, the closure window was even stricter, from 11 PM to 6 AM. The new amendment completely eliminates these barriers, allowing businesses to cater to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this shift is a strategic move to catalyze the 'Night Economy' in Gujarat. By removing bureaucratic hurdles regarding operating hours, the state is positioning itself as a global destination for tourism and retail. This flexibility not only increases revenue streams for business owners but also creates a dynamic urban environment that attracts international investment and high-skilled labor.

"Transitioning toward a trust-based governance system through self-certification is a masterstroke for industrial scalability in Gujarat."

Minister of State for Industry, Dr. Jairam Gamit, emphasized that the bill aims to make regulatory processes simpler, faster, and more transparent. The legislation consolidates 12 amending provisions across five different state laws into a single framework, significantly reducing the administrative burden on both the government and the citizens.

The scope of the bill extends beyond retail. For instance, the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act will now adopt risk-based standards, reducing compliance costs for building owners. Furthermore, the Gujarat Medical Council Act has been amended to allow doctors from other states to register in Gujarat via self-declaration, enhancing professional mobility and healthcare accessibility.

Feature Previous Regulation New 2026 Bill Regulation
Operating Hours Mandatory closure (11 PM/2 AM to 6 AM) Optional 24/7 Operation
Registration Strict Government Approvals Self-Declaration & Self-Certification
Public Services Manual Follow-ups Auto-Appeal & Auto-Escalation

Additionally, the Gujarat Right of Citizens to Public Services Act now integrates technology-driven 'auto-escalation' mechanisms. If a government service or complaint is not resolved within the stipulated timeframe, the system will automatically move the matter to a higher authority, ensuring accountability and efficiency.

Did You Know?: This reform is part of the 'Reform, Perform and Transform' mantra championed by the Prime Minister to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does this mean employees must work 24-hour shifts?
No. The bill regulates the operating hours of the establishment, not the employee. All existing labor laws regarding working hours, rest intervals, and employee safety remain fully applicable.

Q2: Is it mandatory for all shops to remain open 24/7?
No, it is a permission, not a mandate. Business owners can decide their operating hours based on market demand and their own capacity.