Gujarat Politics & Governance

Vibrant Gujarat regional conference opens in Surat

1 May 2026

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition at Auro University in Surat on 1 May, as the two-day regional conference opened. The conference brought together representatives from six South Gujarat districts and focused on industry, agriculture, MSMEs and services, with the stated aim of encouraging regional growth, investment and employment.

The exhibition featured displays on manufacturing, green energy, agriculture and food processing, alongside a mango festival showcasing South Gujarat varieties. It was scheduled to remain open through 5 May.

Key Facts

• The Government of Gujarat organizes Vibrant Gujarat as an investment platform that promotes partnerships and collaboration across economic sectors.

Barrier-free tolling begins at Choriyasi on NH-48

1 May 2026

Barrier-free multi-lane free-flow tolling began at the Choriyasi toll plaza on NH-48 near Kamrej. The digital system uses automatic number-plate recognition and FASTag to identify vehicles and collect tolls without conventional barriers; four lanes operate in each direction.

A monthly pass was announced for residents within 20 kilometres of the plaza. The system’s precise start time is omitted because the accounts differ.

Key Facts

• FASTag uses RFID to deduct tolls electronically from a linked prepaid or savings account, enabling vehicles to pass toll plazas without stopping.

Gujarat High Court orders survey of buildings near Ahmedabad airport

1 May 2026

The Gujarat High Court directed the Airport Authority of India and other authorities to conduct an aeronautical survey of high-rise buildings near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. It set aside existing demolition notices and directed the developers to bear the survey cost.

Authorities may remove buildings after the survey if they are found to violate rules or endanger aircraft. The case concerned demolition notices for buildings described as exceeding 102.7 metres in height.

Key Facts

• The Airports Authority of India manages civil aviation infrastructure, including facilities supporting safe aircraft operations.

Gujarat launches statewide helmet-enforcement drive

1 May 2026

Gujarat began a statewide helmet-enforcement drive scheduled to run through 31 May. Police were instructed to conduct checks across districts, including at government-office entrances, and take action against two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers not wearing helmets.

The drive enforces the helmet requirement under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. District police were also instructed to send daily details of cases and fines to state headquarters.

Key Facts

• The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides a broad legal framework for vehicle licensing and registration, traffic regulation, insurance, liability and penalties.

Gujarat drug regulator reports pharmaceutical seizures and licence action

2 May 2026

Gujarat’s Food and Drugs Control Administration seized suspected medicines valued at more than ₹1.21 crore in raids on pharmaceutical businesses in Ahmedabad, with further enforcement action in Vadodara, Savli and Bharuch. Actions included a 15-day licence suspension for an Ahmedabad firm and permanent cancellation of a Vadodara firm’s licence over online sales of Mounjaro injections without prescriptions.

The department also cancelled a manufacturer’s production permit over high-dose tapentadol products. In Savli, a sample of Mixacrip Caplets was declared Not of Standard Quality by a Vadodara laboratory.

Key Facts

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates drug import, manufacture and distribution to help ensure medicines are safe, effective and meet quality standards.

Amalsad chikoo receives Geographical Indication tag

2 May 2026

Amalsad chikoo received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its association with a growing area in Navsari district. The reported GI area covers 87 villages across Gandevi, Navsari and Jalalpore talukas: 51, 30 and six villages respectively.

Navsari Agricultural University, the Valsad District Fruit and Vegetable Association and GUJCOST were identified as contributors to the effort.

Key Facts

• A GI protects a product name linked to a place of origin; authorized producers in that area may use it according to specified standards.

Gujarat raises dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners to 60%

4 May 2026

Gujarat approved a two-percentage-point increase in dearness allowance for state government employees and pensioners, raising the rate from 58% to 60%. The increase was made effective retrospectively from 1 January 2026 and also covers eligible panchayat employees and pensioners, as well as specified school staff.

The January-to-April arrears were to be paid in one instalment with ...