The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday passed the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, extending daily work shifts in factories from 9 to 12 hours, while keeping the weekly limit at 48 hours.
The Bill also permits women to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, with mandatory safety measures.
Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput said the move would boost investment, growth, and jobs. Workers who complete 48 hours in four days will get paid leave for the remaining three days, he added.
Congress and AAP opposed the Bill, calling it exploitative. They warned that longer legal shifts could push workers into 13–14-hour days, hurting their health and leaving them without real choice on “consent.”
Despite protests, the Bill was passed by voice vote.