On September 10, 2025, the Gujarat Assembly passed the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill 2025, a transformative update to the Factories Act, 1948, that redefines industrial work norms. Backed by BJP MLAs and fiercely debated by Congress and AAP, the bill extends daily work hours from 9 to 12, keeps the weekly cap at 48 hours, and allows women to work night shifts (7 PM–6 AM) with stringent safety protocols. Replacing a July 2025 ordinance, this legislation aims to fuel industrial growth while stirring concerns about worker welfare.
Key Points:
- Passed with majority BJP support; opposed by Congress and AAP.
- Extends daily work hours to 12, with a 48-hour weekly limit.
- Permits women’s night shifts with mandatory safety measures.
Longer Shifts, More Flexibility: The Core Changes
The bill amends six sections of the Factories Act, introducing 12-hour workdays (including breaks) and increasing quarterly overtime from 75 to 125 hours, with double pay for extra hours. Workers completing 48 hours in four 12-hour shifts can enjoy three paid days off, offering flexibility. The state retains the power to approve or revoke these provisions for specific factories, ensuring oversight. Critics, however, fear this could stretch actual work hours to 13–14, exploiting workers already facing lax enforcement of the 9-hour rule.
Key Points:
- 12-hour shifts include rest intervals; weekly cap stays at 48 hours.
- Overtime cap raised to 125 hours per quarter with double wages.
- Workers get 3 paid days off after four 12-hour shifts.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Night Shifts
A landmark provision allows women to work night shifts (7 PM–6 AM) with written consent and robust safety measures, including CCTV surveillance, female security personnel, secure transport, and a minimum of 10 women per shift. This move promotes gender equality in employment, enabling women to boost household income while balancing family time. However, opposition leaders like AAP’s Gopal Italia argue it prioritizes factory owners over workers’ well-being, with consent clauses potentially unenforceable in practice.
Key Points:
- Women can work night shifts with consent and safety protocols like CCTV and transport.
- Minimum 10 women per shift; no compulsory night work allowed.
- Aims to enhance women’s economic freedom but faces skepticism over implementation.
Economic Boost or Worker Exploitation?
Proponents, led by Minister Rajput, argue the bill will attract investment, spur industrial development, and create jobs by offering factories operational flexibility. Gujarat, a manufacturing hub, aims to stay competitive globally. Yet, critics like Mevani and Italia slam it as a boon for factory owners, risking worker exploitation and health issues. They point to existing violations—workers often endure 12-hour days without breaks—and question the enforceability of safeguards, especially for women’s night shifts.
Key Points:
- Designed to drive economic activity and employment in Gujarat.
- Critics highlight health risks and weak enforcement of labour laws.
- State can revoke permissions if factories flout regulations.
What’s Next: Balancing Growth and Welfare
The bill’s implementation hinges on a government notification specifying applicable factories, with flexibility to adjust or cancel provisions. As Gujarat pushes for industrial dominance, the challenge lies in enforcing worker protections—like mandatory half-hour breaks after six hours and double overtime pay—while ensuring women’s safety during night shifts. The debate underscores a broader tension: can economic ambition coexist with worker welfare? With 48-hour weeks unchanged, the focus now shifts to monitoring compliance.
Key Points:
- Implementation awaits state notification; provisions aren’t permanent.
- Mandatory breaks and overtime pay aim to protect workers.
- Success depends on rigorous enforcement and addressing opposition concerns.
