Gujarat Labor Law Reform: Women Now Cleared for Night Shifts in Shops

In a landmark move to modernize labor laws and boost economic activity, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly has passed the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The legislation introduces sweeping changes to workplace regulations, most notably allowing women to work night shifts and extending daily operational hours for commercial establishments.

Gujarat Night Shifts and Safety for Women

The most significant feature of the Bill is the removal of restrictions on women working between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

While the amendment opens new professional avenues for women in the retail and service sectors, it mandates strict safety protocols for employers.

Businesses wishing to employ women at night must provide secure transportation, adequate workplace lighting, and robust measures to prevent sexual harassment.

Furthermore, the Bill specifies that women cannot be compelled to work night shifts without their explicit written consent.

Flexible Working Hours and Overtime

To enhance “Ease of Doing Business,” the Bill extends the permissible daily work hours from 9 to 10 hours, provided the total weekly limit does not exceed 48 hours.

This change allows businesses to manage peak demand more effectively.

Additionally, the limit for overtime hours has been significantly increased, allowing workers to clock up to 125 hours of overtime in a quarter, up from the previous limit of 75 hours.

The government stated that this move will help employees earn more during high-demand seasons while giving employers greater operational flexibility.

Simplified Licensing and Digital Integration

The amendment also streamlines the administrative burden on small business owners.

Establishments with fewer than 10 employees are now exempt from traditional registration requirements; they only need to provide an online intimation to the local authorities.

For larger businesses, the Bill introduces a simplified, time-bound renewal process for licenses, shifting toward a fully digital compliance framework.

Gujarat Economic Vision and Impact

State Labor and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput noted that these reforms are essential for Gujarat to remain a competitive destination for global investment.

By aligning state laws with the Central Government’s Model Shops and Establishments Act, Gujarat aims to create a 24/7 ecosystem that supports the growing demands of the hospitality, retail, and tech-service industries.

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