Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Assembly today passed the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill 2025. The amendments aim to boost industrial activity, attract investments, and create employment opportunities while ensuring workers’ safety and welfare.

Presenting the bill, Labour and Employment Minister Balwantsinh Rajput said the amendments will enable factories to legally employ women in night shifts with their consent, under strict safety and health guidelines. The move is intended to balance women’s economic participation with family responsibilities, allowing them to contribute to household income while managing domestic duties.

Key Provisions of the Amendment:

• Women workers can now legally work in night shifts with their voluntary consent.

• Daily work hours are limited to 12 hours, but weekly work cannot exceed 48 hours.

• A minimum half-hour break is mandated after six hours of continuous work.

• Workers who work four days of 12-hour shifts are entitled to paid leave on the fifth and sixth days.

• Overtime is capped at 125 hours over a three-month period with prior approval.

• Government approval for night shift work will be granted through official notifications, considering women’s safety and health.

• The state government can revoke permissions at any time, and the law will only apply for the approved duration.

Minister Rajput emphasized that the amendments aim to stimulate industrial growth while safeguarding workers’ rights. “The Factories Act is a central law, and with the President’s consent, state governments can make necessary amendments to suit local conditions. The bill empowers Gujarat to regulate daily work hours and overtime, including allowing women to work at night under safe conditions,” he said.

He further stated that creating a conducive industrial environment—such as easy access to land, a skilled workforce, infrastructure development, and minimal legal hurdles—is key to attracting investors and establishing new industries in the state. “Our country and Gujarat have been witnessing significant industrial growth in recent years, with new technologies and investments contributing to both state and national development,” he said.

Empowering Women and Economic Growth

Minister Rajput noted that women’s participation in the workforce is vital for Gujarat’s progress. The amendment aligns with constitutional rights guaranteeing equality, freedom of profession, and the right to earn an income. Women working night shifts voluntarily will also have more time during the day for family responsibilities, effectively balancing their roles as homemakers and economic contributors.

“This amendment ensures women workers can legally work night shifts in a safe environment. It also provides opportunities for skilled women to earn an income, contribute to their families, and actively participate in the state’s economic growth,” the minister added.

The amendment also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering women and promoting skill-based employment, ensuring that educated and skilled women get more opportunities to work and support themselves economically.

Minister Rajput highlighted that the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill will not only protect workers’ welfare but also promote industrial activity, new technology adoption, and job creation in the state. “With the implementation of this bill, Gujarat will continue to lead in industrial development, contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance,” he said.

The Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the Gujarat Assembly today, paving the way for women workers to participate more actively in industrial employment while ensuring their safety and rights. DeshGujarat