Gujarat Government Passes Historic Labor Reform Bill
The Gujarat government has taken a significant step toward enhancing employment opportunities and improving working conditions by passing a landmark bill on Tuesday. The legislation, introduced in Gandhinagar, specifically focuses on creating more job avenues for women and modernizing labor regulations for shops and commercial establishments across the state.
Key Provisions for Women's Night Shift Employment
The Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 replaces an ordinance that was promulgated last year when the state assembly was not in session. A major highlight of this bill is the provision that allows women to work night shifts between 9 PM and 6 AM in shops and commercial establishments, provided they give their consent.
State Labour, Skill Development, and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya introduced the bill, which received unanimous support after discussions from both ruling and opposition party members. To ensure the safety and dignity of women employees, the bill mandates that employers implement several protective measures.
- Employers must provide adequate protection from sexual harassment and ensure the safety of women workers during night shifts.
- Facilities such as rest rooms, night crèches, and separate toilets must be made available.
- Transportation from the workplace to the residence must be provided for women working night shifts.
Minister Bavaliya emphasized that the state government retains the authority to prohibit or regulate the employment of women in night shifts in specific areas or establishments through official gazette notifications if deemed necessary. This provision aims to address local concerns and ensure flexibility in implementation.
Extension of Daily Working Hours and Overtime Limits
In addition to the night shift provisions, the bill introduces important changes to working hours. Employees will now be permitted to work up to 10 hours per day, including breaks, replacing the previous limit of nine hours. This extension is designed to offer more flexibility to both employers and workers, potentially boosting productivity and operational efficiency.
The amendment also revises overtime regulations, allowing workers to undertake overtime with a new limit. The total number of overtime hours in any quarter (three months) must not exceed 144 hours, up from the earlier cap of 125 hours. This adjustment aims to accommodate varying business needs while ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for extra hours.
Bipartisan Support and Safeguards
The bill garnered support from the opposition Congress party, led by senior MLA Shailesh Parmar. The Congress extended its backing after receiving assurances from Minister Bavaliya regarding proper safeguards and effective implementation. Parmar stated that while the party favors measures that promote employment and industrial growth, it is crucial to have robust monitoring mechanisms in place to prevent exploitation and ensure the well-being of workers.
This collaborative approach underscores the importance of balancing economic development with worker protection, setting a precedent for future labor reforms in the state.
The passage of this bill marks a progressive move by the Gujarat government, aligning labor laws with contemporary needs and fostering a more inclusive and flexible work environment. By addressing both employment opportunities for women and working hour adjustments, the legislation aims to stimulate economic growth while prioritizing the safety and rights of all employees.
