Gujarat Bill Extends Working Hours, Allows Women Night Shifts

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 18 February 2026

• The Gujarat Assembly has passed an amendment bill regarding the extension of working hours on a daily basis
• The bill permits women to work at night in shops and commercial establishments

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the Shops and Establishments Act on Tuesday that would increase working hours and allow women to work at night in shops and commercial establishments in order to create more employment opportunities and provide better working conditions. This legislation replaces an ordinance issued last year at a time when the Assembly was not in session.

The bill was produced by the BJP government and received unanimous approval from all members following a lengthy debate.

After assurances about the establishment of adequate safeguards and the proper implementation of safety measures regarding this issue from Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, the Congress party, as well as the Assembly members approved the bill.

This amendment will change the provisions in The Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act of 2019. As indicated in the statement of objective and reason for this bill, this act was introduced with the goal of improving working conditions for workers; creating additional employment opportunities for women; providing a favorable business environment by allowing shops and establishments to operate all year long; and allowing for women to work at night only after proper safety guarantees have been established.

The Bill states that women, with their consent, can work night shifts between 9 pm and 6 am in any shop or establishment provided the employer ensures their safety, dignity, and protection from harassment, as well as facilities such as toilets, night crèches, and separate toilets.

Minister Bavaliya also told the House that transport from the workplace to residence would be arranged for women working night shifts.

Another provision in the Bill gives the state government the authority to regulate or prohibit women workers working between 9 pm and 6 am in any shop or establishment through an official notification, if required.

In another amendment, employees are now free to work 10 hours a day, including breaks, instead of the existing nine hours. The maximum overtime limit has also been increased to 144 hours per quarter, from the existing 125 hours.

Amendments were introduced by Minister Kunvarji to achieve a balance between simplifying the ability to conduct business and safeguarding employment rights. Minister also expressed that the Bill’s provisions would be enforced strictly with no leniency by Government or its representatives.

While supporting the Bill approved by the Government but also noting the need for continued monitoring to prevent exploitation, Congress Opposition Members led by senior MLA Shailesh Parmar have indicated they support polices put in place to encourage job creation and Industrial Growth.