Gujarat govt amends Factories Act to allow women in night shifts, increase working hours

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has promulgated an ordinance modifying key provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, allowing factory workers to work up to 12 hours a day—up from the earlier limit of 9 hours—while keeping the weekly cap at 48 hours. It also permits women to work night shifts, provided specific safety measures are met.

Titled the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the notification was released by the Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department on July 1, as the state Assembly is not in session. The ordinance aims to ease industrial regulations to promote economic activity, attract nationally significant investments, and create jobs.

Under the amended Section 54 of the Act, the state can officially allow daily shifts of up to 12 hours, including rest breaks, provided the total work time does not exceed 48 hours a week and the worker gives written consent. The change also permits extending uninterrupted working hours from five to six hours through official notification.

The ordinance further ensures workers receive overtime pay at twice their regular rate and raises the quarterly overtime limit from 75 to 125 hours—again requiring the worker’s consent.

In a significant move toward gender inclusivity, a major provision allows women to work night shifts (from 7 pm to 6 am), but only under 16 specified safeguards. These include protection from sexual harassment, adequate lighting and CCTV monitoring, a minimum of 10 women per shift, female security personnel, and secure transport. The ordinance clearly states that no woman will be forced to work night shifts and must volunteer through written consent.

The Gujarat government stated that the ordinance is a necessary step to facilitate industrial flexibility and strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector while safeguarding worker rights. DeshGujarat