The Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved an important amendment to the state’s labour law that will allow women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments, while also increasing the maximum daily working limit from nine hours to ten.
The move is being seen as a significant change in workplace regulations, with the government stating that it will improve employment opportunities and support economic growth.
The legislation, titled the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced by Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya.
The Bill was passed after a debate in the House, with members from both the ruling side and the Opposition taking part in the discussion.
Speaking during the proceedings, Bavaliya said the increase in working hours would help improve customer convenience and contribute to the economic development of the state. He also highlighted the provision allowing women to work during night hours, describing it as a step forward in the direction of women’s empowerment. The minister said the amendment would give women greater employment opportunities and allow them to prove their capabilities without restrictions.
One of the major changes introduced through the Bill is the extension of permissible working hours. Under the amended provision, no worker can be required or allowed to work for more than 10 hours in a day and 48 hours in a week. The law also specifies that employees cannot be compelled to work continuously for more than six hours without being given a break of at least half an hour.
The Bill also revises the scope of the Shops and Establishments Act in Gujarat. Earlier, the Act was applicable to shops and establishments employing 10 or more workers. Under the amendment, it will now apply only to those units that employ 20 or more employees.
A key feature of the amendment is the provision permitting women to work during night hours between 9 pm and 6 am, provided they give their consent. The law places several conditions on employers before women can be engaged in night shifts. Employers must ensure adequate protection of women’s dignity, honour and safety, provide safeguards against sexual harassment, and make available facilities such as rest rooms, night crèches and separate ladies’ toilets. In addition, employers will be required to provide transportation from the workplace to the woman employee’s residence, ensuring safe travel up to her doorstep.
While introducing the night shift provision, the Bill also empowers the state government to prohibit or regulate the employment of women during these hours in any shop, establishment or area, if it considers such restrictions necessary in public interest. This gives the government flexibility to intervene in cases where safety or other concerns arise.
Another important amendment relates to overtime. The Bill increases the maximum overtime limit in a three-month period from the current 125 hours to 144 hours. Workers who are required to work beyond 10 hours a day or 48 hours a week will be entitled to overtime wages at twice their ordinary rate of pay.
During the debate, several legislators including Shailesh Parmar, Prakash Varmora, Malti Maheshwari, Umesh Makwana and Ramesh Tilala spoke on the proposed changes. Congress leader Shailesh Parmar raised concerns about whether the safeguards mentioned in the law would be strictly implemented on the ground. In reply, Minister Bavaliya assured the House that the provisions would be enforced seriously and that compliance would be ensured.
The Bill was ultimately passed unanimously as the Opposition did not oppose it. The provisions had already been brought into force by the Gujarat government through an ordinance issued in December last year, when the Assembly was not in session. The newly passed Bill is meant to replace that ordinance and give the changes formal legislative backing.
The amendment marks a major shift in Gujarat’s labour framework, expanding flexibility for businesses while placing new responsibilities on employers, particularly in ensuring safety and welfare for women working night shifts.
Also Read: Women in Only 32% of Districts Attain Work-Life Balance: Study https://www.vibesofindia.com/women-in-only-32-of-districts-attain-work-life-balance-study/
