Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, which was earlier published in the Gazette, was introduced in the Legislative Assembly today by Minister for Labour and Employment Kunvarjibhai Bavlia and was passed unanimously by members of the House.

Speaking on the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavlia said that the state government had earlier made various provisions under the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019, to improve working conditions, create greater employment opportunities for women, provide a conducive business environment, enable establishments to operate 365 days a year, allow flexibility in opening and closing hours, permit women to work night shifts with adequate safety and security measures, and facilitate online registration.

He stated that, in line with modern requirements, ease of doing business, and the changing social and economic conditions of the state, the amendment has been introduced after objectively considering the interests of workers, traders, employers, and the public.

The Minister further informed that, under the amendment, the Act will now apply to shops and establishments employing 20 or more workers, instead of the earlier threshold of 10 workers. Shops and establishments employing fewer than 20 workers will no longer be required to register under the Act but will need to submit an online intimation. This move is expected to benefit thousands of small traders and start-ups.

Bavlia said that extending permissible working hours would enhance customer convenience and boost economic activity. Accordingly, the daily working-hour limit has been increased from nine hours to 10 hours, while the limit for continuous working hours has been raised from five hours to six hours.

Additionally, the maximum overtime limit, which was 125 hours in a three-month period, has been increased to 144 hours. This is expected to improve productivity, leading to higher profits for shop owners and better economic well-being for workers through increased profit-sharing opportunities, he added.

Highlighting women’s participation in economic growth, the Minister stated that women workers may now be permitted to work between 9 pm and 6 am, subject to employers providing adequate facilities, including restrooms, night shelters, separate toilets, protection of dignity and safety, safeguards against sexual harassment, and transportation from the workplace to their residence. The amendment ensures that the dignity, safety, and security of women are protected at the workplace.

Referring to women’s empowerment, Bavlia noted that as India emerges as the world’s fourth-largest economy, women are playing an increasingly significant role in economic development. The amendment will expand employment opportunities for women and enable them to demonstrate their talents freely and confidently. Gujarat, he said, will continue to move forward in the direction of women’s empowerment.

The Minister further stated that, under the vision of “Developed India@2047,” the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, will act as a catalyst for growth and development. DeshGujarat