Gujarat Allows Longer Workdays and Night Shifts

Gujarat has passed a new law that lets people work up to 12 hours a day. Women can now work at night, but bosses must keep them safe. Some people worry this is bad for workers, while others think it will help businesses.
By Newsroom | Labor Laws, Gujarat |

The state of Gujarat has enacted new legislation that permits longer daily work shifts and allows women to work during night hours. The move, approved by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, aims to potentially boost job creation and enhance working conditions. However, the changes have ignited discussion, with some groups expressing concerns about the impact on worker welfare.

Legislative Changes Detailed

The Gujarat Assembly passed an amendment bill on September 10, 2025, that modifies existing labor laws. Key provisions include:

  • Extended Daily Hours: The maximum daily working hours have been increased from nine to 12 hours, a change that includes designated break times.

  • Overtime Allowance: The limit for overtime hours in any quarter (three months) has been raised from 125 to 144 hours.

  • Women in Night Shifts: The bill permits women to work night shifts between 9 pm and 6 am. This provision is contingent upon employers ensuring their safety, dignity, and protection from sexual harassment. Specific facilities such as rest rooms, night creches, and separate toilets are mandated. Employers must also provide transportation for women working these shifts.

  • Weekly Hour Cap: Despite the extended daily hours, the total number of working hours in a week remains capped at 48 hours.

  • Overtime Pay: Workers undertaking overtime beyond 12 hours daily or on paid holidays are entitled to wages at twice their ordinary rate.

  • Rotational Holidays: Workers completing 48 hours in four 12-hour shifts may be eligible for three paid days off, introducing a potential for more flexible scheduling.

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The amendment bill replaces an ordinance that was issued in July 2025. Several other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Jharkhand, have implemented similar changes to their labor laws concerning extended work hours and night shifts for women.

Gujarat Passes Bill Allowing 10-Hour Workdays - 1

Points of Contention and Support

The legislative changes have been met with varied reactions:

  • Proponents' Argument: Supporters contend that these amendments are necessary for Gujarat, a major industrial hub, to maintain international competitiveness. They highlight the aim of improving work conditions and creating more job opportunities. The provision for extended hours and night shifts is framed as a measure to enhance flexibility in the labor market.

  • Opposition and Concerns: The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have voiced opposition to the bill. Concerns have been raised that the longer workdays could negatively affect workers' health due to insufficient sleep. Questions have been posed regarding whether workers or unions initiated these demands, and whether the "consent clause" for women working night shifts holds genuine meaning if there is implicit pressure to accept such conditions due to job security fears. The extended work hours are seen by some as a "dangerous rollback of labor rights."

Overtime Limits and Regulations

The revised regulations on overtime are as follows:

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FeaturePrevious LimitNew LimitNotes
Overtime per Quarter125 hours144 hoursReplaces earlier 125-hour limit as per Article 1, though other articles state 75 to 125.
Weekly Work Hours Cap48 hours48 hoursRemains consistent across provisions.
Overtime Pay RateNot specifiedDoubleFor work exceeding 12 hours daily or on paid holidays.
Break During WorkNot specified30 minutesMandatory after six continuous hours of work.

Analysis of Evidence

The presented data indicates a legislative shift in Gujarat aimed at modernizing labor regulations. The extension of daily work hours to 12 and the inclusion of women in night shifts are significant departures from previous norms. The legislation attempts to balance increased work flexibility with worker protections, mandating safety measures and providing for increased overtime pay.

Gujarat Passes Bill Allowing 10-Hour Workdays - 2

However, the efficacy of these protections, particularly for women in night shifts, remains a point of inquiry. The assertion that total weekly hours remain capped at 48 offers a framework, but the practical implications of a 12-hour workday on worker fatigue and overall well-being are a subject of ongoing debate, as highlighted by the opposition parties. The discrepancies in stated overtime limits across the articles (125 hours vs. 75 to 125 hours) warrant clarification for a precise understanding of regulatory changes.

Conclusion

The Gujarat Assembly's passage of the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces substantial changes to daily working hours and the employment of women in night shifts. While the stated intentions focus on economic competitiveness and job creation, the legislation has drawn criticism regarding potential impacts on worker health and rights.

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  • The legal framework now permits a 12-hour workday and night shifts for women, with mandated safety protocols.

  • The 48-hour weekly cap remains, alongside increased overtime allowances and enhanced pay for overtime work.

  • Opposition parties have raised significant concerns about worker welfare and the potential for exploitation under the new laws.

Further observation will be necessary to assess the real-world implementation of these regulations and their long-term effects on both the workforce and the industrial landscape of Gujarat.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can people work more hours each day in Gujarat now?
Yes, the law allows workdays to be up to 12 hours long. This includes time for breaks.
Q: Can women work at night?
Yes, women can now work between 9 pm and 6 am. Employers must make sure they are safe and have special facilities.
Q: Will people work more hours each week?
No, the total hours allowed in a week is still 48 hours.
Q: Are people happy about these changes?
Some people think it will help businesses and create jobs. Others are worried it could harm workers' health and rights.