Gujarat cabinet gives nod to state’s Jan Viswas Bill 2025

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat cabinet on Wednesday approved the draft of the Gujarat Jan Viswas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which seeks to decriminalise provisions under 11 state laws.

The bill proposes replacing jail terms with monetary fines for minor compliance violations across various industries and businesses. It is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session scheduled for the second week of September.

According to an official release, the initiative aims to simplify business regulations, ease compliance requirements, and boost Gujarat’s performance in both the Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living indices.

The draft bill covers multiple legislations, including the Gujarat Industrial Development Act (1962), Labour Welfare Fund Act (1953), Municipalities Act (1963), APMC Act, Domestic Water Supply Act, Cooperative Societies Act, Town Planning Act, Shops and Establishment Act, and the Electricity Duty Act.

As per the government, the reform package is intended to reduce litigation, streamline enforcement, and promote business activity, shifting the approach from criminalisation to regulation through financial penalties.