The Gujarat Assembly has passed the Factories Act (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a four-day workweek with 12-hour shifts, while capping the total at 48 hours a week. Workers who complete four such shifts will get paid leave on the fifth and sixth day.
Labour Minister Balvantsinh Rajput said the move is meant to provide greater flexibility, especially for women, who can now opt for night shifts with written consent. Factories employing women at night must ensure restrooms, toilets, and healthcare facilities, along with 16 safety and welfare conditions.
Key changes include:
- Maximum 12 working hours a day, including breaks, capped at 48 hours per week.
- Paid leave after four 12-hour shifts.
- Overtime wages beyond nine hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Lunch break after six hours instead of five.
- Women allowed night shifts with consent.
The state can permit 12-hour shifts only for limited periods and must seek Presidential assent before the law takes effect. The changes apply only to workers in registered factories, not to office staff or IT professionals.