{"id":1306464,"date":"2026-02-22T11:36:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T06:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/?p=1306464"},"modified":"2026-02-22T11:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T06:06:24","slug":"women-in-gujarat-now-allowed-to-work-night-shifts-daily-working-hours-hiked-to-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/women-in-gujarat-now-allowed-to-work-night-shifts-daily-working-hours-hiked-to-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Women In Gujarat Now Allowed To Work Night Shifts; Daily Working Hours Hiked To 10"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a significant move aimed at reforming labour norms and expanding economic opportunities, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly<\/strong> has unanimously passed a bill that extends the permissible working hours for shops and establishments from 9 to 10 hours a day<\/strong>. Alongside this, the bill also allows women employees to work night shifts<\/strong> in shops and commercial establishments \u2014 a change that overrides older restrictions and reflects evolving views on women\u2019s employment rights and workplace participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Women<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This legislative shift marks a noteworthy departure from longstanding rules that limited women\u2019s working hours<\/a>, particularly after sunset. Proponents of the amendment argue that the changes align with modern business needs while balancing women\u2019s safety and worker rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Changes Introduced by the Bill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The newly approved bill brings two major changes to existing labour regulations in the state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extended Work Hours:<\/strong>
Shops and commercial establishments can now operate for up to 10 hours per day instead of the earlier 9 hours<\/strong>. The total allowable working hours in a week have also been adjusted proportionately, offering more flexibility for businesses to manage staffing and customer demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Night Shifts for Women:<\/strong>
One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the removal of the age-old restriction that prohibited women from working night shifts in shops and establishments. Under the amended law, women employees may be scheduled for night work<\/strong>, provided certain conditions related to safety and welfare are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why This Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For decades, labour laws in many Indian states had provisions limiting the working hours of women, especially after dark, based on concerns about safety and welfare. While well-intentioned, such measures also inadvertently restricted women\u2019s economic participation, particularly in industries that operate beyond typical daytime hours \u2014 such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By permitting women to work night shifts, Gujarat is signalling a shift toward greater labour flexibility and gender parity<\/strong>. This change allows women workers more opportunities in sectors where extended hours or late operations are the norm, potentially widening access to employment and progression in careers that were previously constrained by timing rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Safeguards and Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the bill authorises night work for women, it also requires employers to ensure the safety and welfare<\/strong> of female employees. This may include measures such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n