How Did the Gujarat Assembly Approve the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025 to Enhance Business Operations?

Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Gujarat Assembly has successfully enacted the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025, a pivotal reform designed to enhance governance transparency, alleviate compliance burdens, and elevate both “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.”

Presented by Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput, this Bill aims to amend 516 provisions across 11 laws spanning six departments, with a primary focus on decriminalising minor offences, substituting fines with monetary penalties, and expediting judicial processes.

The state government asserts that this reform will particularly benefit MSMEs and startups by eliminating the anxiety of criminal prosecution for minor lapses and fostering a trust-based, citizen-centric governance model. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel characterized the legislation as a move towards “quantum change” instead of gradual reforms, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.

This initiative is also aligned with the Centre’s Jan Vishwas Act and Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, which have collectively eliminated over 40,000 compliance requirements nationwide.

Minister Rajput noted that this Bill updates antiquated laws, empowers businesses, and alleviates unnecessary burdens on citizens. It further establishes Gujarat as the state with the highest volume of legal provisions decriminalised under such legislation.

The Bill secured majority approval following discussions in the Assembly, with contributions from both ruling and opposition members. Gujarat has consistently ranked as one of India's leading states for ease of doing business, driven by proactive policy reforms, digitisation, and investor-friendly governance.

The state has streamlined approvals through single-window clearance systems, reduced compliance burdens, and introduced transparent land allotment policies via GIDC’s industrial estates.

With its robust infrastructure—including world-class ports, dedicated freight corridors, reliable power supply, and excellent road connectivity—businesses enjoy lower logistics costs and quicker turnaround times.

Gujarat has also been supportive of startups and MSMEs through sector-specific incentives and has earned the title of a “Best Performer” in the DPIIT States’ Startup Ranking.

With a foundation of political stability and swift decision-making, the government actively collaborates with industries through events like Vibrant Gujarat, making the state an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors.