Overview
- The Assembly approved the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025 by voice vote, replacing a July ordinance after a contentious debate and protests by Congress and AAP MLAs.
- Daily shifts may extend to 12 hours under a 48-hour weekly cap, with a mandatory break after six hours of continuous work.
- Women can be rostered between 7 pm and 6 am only with written consent and 16 mandated protections, including secure transport, CCTV coverage and female security staff.
- Overtime limits rise to 125 hours in three months, and any overtime beyond 12 hours a day or on paid holidays must be compensated at twice the ordinary wage rate.
- The government says permissions can be limited or withdrawn if norms are flouted, while critics question enforcement, job protection and report conflicting accounts of paid leave once 48 weekly hours are completed in four days.