Madhya Pradesh Notification – Night Shift Permission for Women in Shops, Establishments & Factories (2025)
Issued by: Labour Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Notification Date: 27th June 2025 | Effective Immediately
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has granted conditional permission for employing women workers during night shifts in Shops, Commercial Establishments, and Factories operating within the state.
Key Provisions for Shops & Commercial Establishments:
- Restrictions under Section 25 of the Madhya Pradesh Shops & Establishments Act, 1958 regarding women’s working hours between 9 PM to 7 AM shall not apply, subject to compliance with the following conditions:
Mandatory Conditions:
- Written consent is required from women workers for night shift duty.
- Minimum batch size: At least 5 women employees during the night shift.
- Compliance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and other applicable laws.
- Provision of a safe and secure workplace with:
- Women security guards at entry and exit points (if employing 10 or more women).
- Separate restrooms, toilets, and drinking water facilities.
- Well-lit passages with CCTV surveillance.
- Strict compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013.
Key Provisions for Factories:
- Women can be employed between 8 PM to 6 AM in factories, provided the following safety measures are ensured:
Mandatory Conditions:
- Written consent from women workers for working night shifts.
- Compliance with all Maternity Benefit laws.
- Adequate pick-up and drop transportation for women employees.
- Safe and non-discriminatory work environment.
- Availability of proper toilets, washrooms, drinking, dining, and resting facilities.
- Well-lit premises and passages with CCTV coverage.
- Women security guards at entry and exit points.
- Exclusive boarding and lodging for women workers where applicable.
- Minimum 1/3rd women representation in supervisory staff during night shifts.
- Mandatory 12-hour rest gap between consecutive shifts when transitioning between day and night shifts.
- Full compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Employers in Madhya Pradesh are directed to strictly adhere to these terms to ensure women’s safety and legal compliance during night shifts.
For professional assistance with labour law compliance in Madhya Pradesh, get in touch with our experts.
For further information, please consult the attached official notification.
Gujarat Factories (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 – Key Highlights for Employers
Issued by Labour, Skill Development & Employment Department, Gujarat
Notification Date: 1st July 2025 | Effective Immediately
The Government of Gujarat has promulgated the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, introducing significant reforms to the Factories Act, 1948 as applicable in the state. This Ordinance aims to enhance flexibility in working hours, boost industrial productivity, attract investments, and promote employment generation.
Major Amendments at a Glance:
Increased Daily Working Hours:
- Maximum daily work hours extendable up to 12 hours, including rest intervals, subject to a 48-hour weekly cap.
- Applicable only with written consent of the worker.
Flexibility in Continuous Work:
- Workers may work up to 6 hours continuously without an interval, based on state government notification.
Revised Spread Over:
- Maximum spread over, including rest intervals, can be increased up to 12 hours.
Updated Overtime Provisions:
- Overtime wages at double the ordinary rate:
- Over 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week (6-day week)
- Over 10 hours/day or 48 hours/week (5-day week)
- Over 11.5 hours/day for 4-day week or work on paid holidays
Enhanced Overtime Limits:
- Quarterly overtime cap increased from 75 to 125 hours.
- Overtime permissible only with written consent of the worker.
Women Employment Reforms:
- Women allowed to work between 7 PM to 6 AM, subject to stringent safety conditions, including:
- Transportation with CCTV and GPS
- Minimum batch size of 10 women workers during night shifts
- Strict anti-sexual harassment mechanisms at the workplace
- Mandatory security arrangements and rest facilities
- No compulsory night shifts—written consent required
Objective Behind the Ordinance:
- Promote economic growth by relaxing certain operational restrictions.
- Enhance employment opportunities through greater flexibility in work schedules.
- Ensure equality by allowing women to work during night shifts with adequate safeguards.
Employers are advised to review these amendments carefully and ensure full compliance to avoid legal complications.
For expert advisory or compliance support regarding this Ordinance, contact our Labour Law specialists.
For further information, please consult the attached official notification.
