Gujarat Assembly Allows Women to Work Night Shifts via New Labor Law
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The Gujarat Assembly has unanimously passed a groundbreaking amendment to the state’s labor regulations, allowing women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments. The new law also extends the maximum daily working hours from nine to ten, marking a significant shift in workplace policies.
The amendment, introduced as the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to boost employment opportunities and spur economic growth in the state. Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, who introduced the Bill, described it as a step toward women’s empowerment and workplace modernization.
Major Changes Introduced by the Bill
Under the amended law, workers in Gujarat can now work up to 10 hours a day and 48 hours a week, with mandatory breaks after every six hours of continuous work. The law requires a minimum half-hour break for employees to ensure their well-being. Overtime provisions have also been revised, with the maximum overtime limit increased to 144 hours in a three-month period. Workers are entitled to overtime pay at twice their ordinary rate for hours worked beyond the daily or weekly limit.
One of the most notable changes is the provision allowing women to work night shifts, defined as between 9 pm and 6 am. This is contingent upon their consent and imposes several conditions on employers to ensure the safety and dignity of women employees. These measures include safeguards against harassment, provision of separate restrooms and ladies' toilets, night crèches, and transportation to safely escort women employees to their residences.
"The increase in working hours would help improve customer convenience and contribute to the economic development of the state", said Kunvarji Bavaliya. He emphasized that the inclusion of night shifts for women represents a step toward empowering women and increasing their employment opportunities. "The amendment would give women greater employment opportunities and allow them to prove their capabilities without restrictions", he added.
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Expanded Scope and Restrictions
The amendment also narrows the scope of the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act. While the law previously applied to establishments employing 10 or more workers, it will now be applicable only to units with 20 or more employees. This change is intended to reduce compliance burdens on smaller businesses.
While the new law enables women to work night shifts, it also grants the state government the authority to prohibit or regulate such employment in specific shops, establishments, or areas if deemed necessary in the public interest. This flexibility allows for intervention in situations where safety concerns or other challenges may arise.
Debate and Unanimous Approval
During the legislative debate, members of both the ruling party and the Opposition engaged in discussions about the proposed changes. Congress leader Shailesh Parmar raised concerns about whether the safety measures outlined in the Bill would be implemented effectively on the ground. In response, Minister Bavaliya assured the Assembly that the provisions would be strictly enforced and compliance would be closely monitored.
The Bill, which had initially been implemented through an ordinance issued in December last year, was passed unanimously by the Assembly. Its approval formalizes the changes introduced by the ordinance, making them a permanent part of Gujarat’s labor framework.
A Shift in Gujarat's Labor Landscape
The passage of this amendment represents a significant evolution in the state’s labor policies, balancing the flexibility desired by businesses with robust measures to ensure employee safety and welfare. By formally allowing women to work night shifts and extending working hours, Gujarat has taken a step toward modernizing workplace norms and supporting economic growth while placing new responsibilities on employers to protect their workforce.
As the state moves forward with implementing these changes, the focus will remain on ensuring that the safeguards and regulations, particularly those aimed at protecting women, are upheld in practice.