Gujarat Government Discloses Comprehensive Firearms License Statistics for Major Cities
The Gujarat state government presented detailed data on licensed firearms holders in Ahmedabad and Surat cities on the final day of the budget session in the legislative assembly. This information was provided in response to a formal question raised by MLA Gopal Italia, offering unprecedented insight into firearm ownership patterns in two of the state's largest urban centers.
Official Statistics Reveal Significant Licensed Firearms Presence
According to the government's official response, as of January 31, 2026, Ahmedabad city has 4,332 individuals holding valid firearms licenses. Beyond the city limits but within Ahmedabad district, an additional 899 persons possess licensed firearms, bringing the district's total to 5,231 licensed holders.
Similarly, Surat city reports 2,481 licensed firearms holders, with another 401 individuals in the surrounding Surat district areas, creating a combined district total of 2,882 licensed firearm owners. These figures represent the most current official data available from state authorities.
Recent Application Trends Show Moderate Approval Rates
The government data also reveals application patterns over the previous year ending January 31, 2026. In Ahmedabad city, 141 individuals submitted firearms license applications during this period. Of these, 41 applications were approved, 9 were formally denied, and 74 remain pending with authorities.
Surat city witnessed 74 firearms license applications in the same timeframe. The approval rate was notably lower, with only 7 applications granted permission. Interestingly, no applications were officially denied, while 67 applications continue in pending status, awaiting final determination.
Government Outlines Primary Reasons for License Denials
In explaining the rationale behind rejecting firearms license applications, the government identified several key factors that typically lead to denial:
- Perceived Safety Concerns Without Substantiation: The majority of denied applications stem from what authorities describe as "imaginary fear for one's safety" without presenting credible, documented threats.
- Inadequate Training Documentation: Many applicants fail to provide recognized firearms training certificates from authorized institutions, a mandatory requirement under current regulations.
- Criminal History Considerations: Applications are routinely denied when background checks reveal any criminal record or ongoing legal proceedings against the applicant.
The comprehensive data release provides valuable transparency regarding firearm licensing in Gujarat's urban centers, highlighting both the current licensed population and the stringent criteria applied to new applicants seeking legal firearm ownership permissions.
