Gujarat clears 4-day workweek with 12-hour shifts, paid leave for workers

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has approved the Factories Act (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025, allowing a four-day workweek with 12-hour shifts while capping the total at 48 hours per week. The measure, which amends six sections of the central Factories Act, 1948, is intended to give workers—especially women—greater flexibility and additional paid time off.

Minister outlines objectives

Presenting the bill, State Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput said the Gujarat amendment aims to give workers more flexibility and to allow women, with their consent, to work night shifts while keeping weekly totals within legal limits.

Longer daily hours, capped weekly total

Under the new rules, factory employees may work up to 12 hours a day, including breaks, provided their weekly total does not exceed 48 hours. Those who complete four 12-hour days must receive paid leave on the fifth and sixth day. Overtime wages are mandatory for any work beyond nine hours a day or 48 hours a week. The law also lengthens the interval before a meal break: a half-hour recess is now due after six hours of work instead of five.

Women can opt for night shifts

The amendment permits women to work night shifts with their explicit consent, a change from the current restriction barring employment between 6 pm and 7 am. State Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput told the House that the move “takes into account women’s constitutional rights to equality, freedom, employment, and income,” and follows directions from the Gujarat High Court.

To safeguard women’s health and safety, factories must provide separate restrooms, toilets, and healthcare facilities. The bill sets out 16 specific conditions governing night-shift employment.

Temporary approvals and government oversight

The state government can permit 12-hour shifts and other changes only for a fixed period and may withdraw approval at any time. Such permissions still require the President’s assent, as mandated under the central Factories Act.

Key provisions at a glance

• Maximum of 12 working hours a day, including breaks, with a weekly cap of 48 hours.
• Paid leave on the fifth and sixth day for those completing four 12-hour shifts.
• Overtime pay for work beyond nine hours a day or 48 hours a week.
• Half-hour recess required after six hours of work.
• Women may work night shifts if they give written consent.
• Factories must provide separate facilities and meet 16 safety and health conditions.

The amendment will take effect after receiving presidential assent, the final step for changes to a central law at the state level.

Notably, the amendment applies only to employees defined as “workers” under the Factories Act, 1948—that is, people engaged in a manufacturing process or work directly connected to it in registered factories. Office staff or professionals in non-manufacturing roles, such as journalists or IT workers, are not included.