In a bold move that’s reshaping India’s industrial landscape, Gujarat has become the first state to officially permit 12-hour factory shifts and allow women to work night duties. The Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, released on July 1, is already sparking nationwide debates about worker rights and industrial competitiveness.
Table of Contents
What’s Changed? The Complete Breakdown
| Aspect | Previous Rule | New Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Work Hours | 9 hours maximum | 12 hours maximum |
| Weekly Hours | 48 hours | 72 hours |
| Women’s Night Shifts | Prohibited | Allowed (7 PM – 6 AM) |
| Continuous Work Period | 5 hours | 6 hours |
| Worker Consent | Not required | Mandatory written consent |
Key Provisions That Matter
Extended Working Hours
Under the revised Section 54 of the Factories Act, daily work shifts can now officially stretch to 12 hours, subject to written consent from workers and adherence to weekly hour limits. This represents a 33% increase from the previous 9-hour limit.
Women’s Night Shift Revolution
For the first time, women are allowed to work night shifts from 7 pm to 6 am with 16 mandatory safety conditions, including:
- Minimum 10 women per shift
- Female security personnel deployment
- CCTV coverage and proper lighting
- Safe transportation arrangements
- Anti-harassment measures
Importantly, no woman worker shall be compelled to work night shifts and written consent will be required from those willing to opt in.
Why This Matters for India’s Economy
This ordinance positions Gujarat as a manufacturing powerhouse, potentially attracting more foreign investment and boosting the state’s industrial growth. The extended hours align with global manufacturing standards, making Gujarat factories more competitive internationally.
Impact on Different Sectors
- Textile Industry: Enhanced production capacity during peak seasons
- Chemical Manufacturing: Continuous process operations now legally supported
- Automotive: Better alignment with global supply chain demands
- Electronics: Improved flexibility for export-oriented units
Worker Protections and Concerns
The ordinance isn’t just about longer hours—it emphasizes worker safety and consent. For any work done beyond 9 hours in a day, or 48 hours in a week, employers must provide overtime compensation as per legal requirements.
Safety Measures for Women Workers
The 16 safety conditions demonstrate Gujarat’s commitment to creating secure working environments. These include mandatory preventive measures against sexual harassment, proper infrastructure, and transportation safety.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for You
Whether you’re a factory worker, business owner, or industry observer, this ordinance signals a significant shift in India’s labor landscape. Other states are likely watching Gujarat’s experiment closely, potentially paving the way for similar reforms nationwide.
The success of this ordinance will largely depend on its implementation and how well it balances industrial growth with worker welfare. For businesses, it offers unprecedented flexibility; for workers, it provides new opportunities alongside enhanced protections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are workers forced to work 12-hour shifts under the new ordinance?
A: No, the ordinance requires written consent from workers for 12-hour shifts. No worker can be compelled to work extended hours without their agreement.
Q: What safety measures are in place for women working night shifts?
A: The ordinance mandates 16 safety conditions including minimum 10 women per shift, female security personnel, CCTV coverage, proper lighting, safe transportation, and anti-harassment measures. Women must also provide written consent before working night shifts.
