The Gujarat Assembly has cleared the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for industries to extend daily work shifts from the existing nine hours to 12 hours. The weekly cap on total working hours, however, remains unchanged at 48 hours in line with national labour laws.
Under the new provisions, women will also be permitted to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, provided that employers implement adequate safety measures. The state government has positioned the amendment as a reform aimed at attracting fresh investments, boosting industrial growth, and creating new employment opportunities.
Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput explained that the change gives industries more flexibility in managing work schedules, while ensuring employees are not overburdened beyond the 48-hour weekly limit. “This means that if a worker completes 48 hours in four 12-hour shifts, they will receive paid leave for the remaining three days,” he said.
Rajput also emphasised that the provisions are temporary and subject to review. “We have assured labour union leaders that if norms are violated or workers face injustice, the government has the power to withdraw this amendment,” he added.
Gujarat’s move follows Maharashtra, which recently approved similar amendments for private sector employees. Together, these changes signal a broader trend in state-level labour reforms, with governments seeking to balance industrial competitiveness with worker welfare.