Gujarat Government has released Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 on December 16, 2025 to cut through red tape and modernize the work place. The amendment is a business- friendly reform that aligns Gujarat’s local labour regulations with the broader framework of India’s new labour codes, while ensuring worker welfare and gender safety.
The ordinance has come into force with immediate effect, ensuring that establishments and workers can benefit from the revised provisions without delay.
Expanding the “Small Business” Safety Net
One of the most impactful changes involves who the law actually applies to.
- The Old Rule: Previously, the Act’s full weight applied to any shops or business with 10 or more workers.
- The New Update: The threshold has been raised to 20 or more workers.
More Flexible Working Hours
The 9-to-5 era is long gone, and the new ordinance acknowledges that.
- Daily Limits: The maximum daily working hours have been extended from 9 hours to 10 hours.
- Continuous work: You can work for 6 hours straight (up from 5) before a mandatory break is required.
- The “Spread-over”: The total time a worker spends at a work place (including breaks) has been capped at 12 hours.
A New Era for Women in the Workforce
Perhaps the most progressive part of 2025 ordinance is how it handles night shifts for women.
- Night Shift Access: Women are now permitted to work 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, provided they give their written consent.
- Mandatory Safety Net: Business can’t just ask women to work late; they shall provide:
- Secure transportation to their doorsteps.
- Adequate lighting and CCTV in the workplace.
- Protection from sexual harassment (internal committees).
- Basic amenities like restrooms and even night crèches (nurseries) if required.
| Feature | Old Provisions | New 2025 Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability of Act | Establishment with 10 or more employees | Establishment with 20 or more employees |
| Maximum Daily working Hours | 9 Hours Per Day | 10 Hours Per Day |
| Continuous Working Hours | 5 Hours | 6 Hours |
| Overtime limit (Quarterly) | 125 Hours | 144 Hours |
| Women Working During Night Hours | Generally Restricted | Allowed with consent between 9 am to 6 pm |
| Safety & Welfare Facilities For women | Not specified | Mandatory rest room, night crèche, ladies toilet, Protection of dignity, prevention of sexual harassment & safe transport |
| Government Power to Restrict Night work | Limited | Government may regulate or prohibit women’s night work in public interest |
Conclusion
Overall, the amendment creates a more flexible and inclusive work environment. It supports ease of doing business with improved safeguards for employees, particularly women and reflects the state’s commitment to progressive employment practices. It’s a step towards a more “trust-based” governance model where the state trusts businesses to do the right thing while keeping a strict eye on worker welfare.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.