Context: Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Factories (Amendment) Act has been enforced in the State after it got President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, paving the way for accelerated industrial growth, enhanced production capacity, and more employment opportunities.
More on News:
- The amendment will make Uttar Pradesh more competitive in industrial development and strengthen the State’s progress towards achieving the goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
- The amended Act came into effect from 3rd October 2025.
Background of the Act:
- To boost industrial growth, investment, and employment toward achieving a $1 trillion state economy, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to amend the Factories Act, 1948 in its application to the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Provisions of U.P. Factories (Amendment) Act, 2024
- Daily work hours: The State government is empowered to extend the maximum daily working hours in factories to 12 hours, provided that the total weekly working hours do not exceed 48.
- The Act also allows workers to perform up to six hours of continuous work without an interval, subject to their written consent.
- In cases of exceptional workload, the State government may now raise the quarterly limit of overtime work from 75 hours to 144 hours.
- Women workers in night shifts: A provision has been included allowing women workers to work night shifts, subject to their written consent and the implementation of all necessary safety and health measures.
- Women workers can work overtime and night shifts, giving them equal opportunities to work and earn.
- Safety Provisions for Women: If women are employed between 7 PM to 6 AM, the following facilities must be provided:
- Adequate lighting and CCTV surveillance for safety.
- Safe transportation for commuting.
- Deployment of women security guards and supervisors.
- Availability of toilets, rest areas, and drinking water at the workplace.
- Overtime wage provision: Workers performing duties beyond the prescribed daily limit will be entitled to overtime wages at double the ordinary rate of pay.
