The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday passed the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, bringing significant changes to labor laws in the state. The revisions allow women to work night shifts (from 7 pm to 6 am) under appropriate safety standards, and increase the maximum work hours permitted per day in factories.
Key Changes & Provisions
Extended working hours: The daily work duration has been raised from nine to twelve hours (inclusive of mandated rest intervals). The weekly ceiling remains at 48 hours.
Overtime: The bill allows for up to 125 hours of overtime per worker in a quarter.
Night shift for women: For the first time, women will be legally permitted to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, subject to safety measures laid down by the state. The bill emphasizes that working conditions and protection must be ensured.
Government’s Rationale
Balvantsinh Rajput, Gujarat’s Minister for Labour, Skill Development & Employment, said the changes are meant to “boost economic activity and attract investments in new industrial units,” while still aiming to protect the rights of workers. The government contends that the law replaces an earlier ordinance issued in July, formalising those changes via legislation.
Reactions & Concerns
While the ruling party pushed the bill through with visible enthusiasm, opposition parties including Congress and Aam Aadmi Party expressed reservations. Their concerns centered on whether adequate safety provisions would be enforced, and whether the longer hours might burden workers, especially those with family or caregiving responsibilities.
Labour rights activists have similarly warned that legislation is only a part of the solution; implementation, inspection, and strict regulation will be essential to protect vulnerable workers. The effectiveness of the reforms will ultimately depend on how well workplaces adhere to norms for privacy, transport, health safeguards, and rest periods.
What This Means for Gujarat & Beyond
The passage of this bill positions Gujarat as one of the states adapting labor laws to more flexible norms of industrial productivity, especially as economic competition intensifies. For workers, it opens up opportunities for additional income (through overtime), and possibly for more shifts work. On the flip side, the risk of overwork or safety lapses looms.
If Gujarat’s model succeeds—meaning safety is maintained, and worker welfare isn’t compromised—it may serve as a benchmark for other states that are considering similar amendments.
What to Watch
Regulatory oversight: Will labour inspectors be empowered and resourced to enforce the safety standards, especially for women working at night?
Effect on workers’ health and wellbeing: Extended hours and night work can carry physiological and social costs; monitoring these will be crucial.
Adoption by industries: Will new or existing factories embrace the change? Will they shift production schedules, hire more staff, or opt for automation?
Economic outcomes: Will this attract new investment? Will employment increase, wages rise, or will there be pushback or litigation?