Gandhinagar: Gujarat assembly on Friday passed the Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, introducing a series of reforms aimed at shifting the state’s regulatory framework from a control-based system to a trust and risk-based governance model.The legislation amends 12 provisions across five state laws under a single framework. The state govt said the reforms are intended to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs and minimise physical interaction between citizens, businesses and govt officials. The bill was passed by a majority in the House.Introducing the bill, minister of state for industries Jayram Gamit said the reforms support the principle of “minimum government, maximum governance“ by promoting self-declaration, self-certification and technology-driven regulatory processes.A crucial feature of the legislation is the adoption of risk-based regulations. For low-risk activities, the requirement for prior approvals and physical inspections will be reduced, with greater emphasis on self-declarations and digital compliance mechanisms.The bill also amends the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013, making fire safety norms more risk- and performance-based. Govt said the revised framework would align requirements with the nature of buildings and local conditions while reducing compliance burdens.Changes under the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act, 2019, will simplify registration through self-declaration and self-certification. The amendments also allow shops and establishments to operate round the clock on all days, subject to prevailing labour and employment regulations.For micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Gujarat MSME Facilitation Act will be strengthened to reinforce the “right to business“ framework. Govt said related laws governing cooperation, electricity, GIDC and irrigation would also be aligned with the facilitation model.The legislation further amends the Gujarat Medical Council Act to enable doctors registered in other states to obtain registration in Gujarat through self-declaration, a move aimed at improving professional mobility and access to healthcare services.Another significant provision relates to the Gujarat Right of Citizens to Public Services Act. If a govt service request or grievance is not addressed within the stipulated time, technology-enabled auto-appeal and auto-escalation mechanisms will automatically move the matter to higher authorities.Govt said the reforms seek to ease regulatory processes without compromising public safety, workers‘ rights or public health, while helping create a more investment-friendly environment in the state.
