Bihar government has approved an amendment to the Bihar Factory Rules, 1950, allowing women—except pregnant and lactating mothers—to work in factories classified as hazardous.
The move, passed during a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, marks a significant shift in the state’s labour policy and is expected to open up new employment avenues for women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The amendment aligns Bihar with broader national efforts to deregulate gender-restrictive labour laws, and reflects the Centre’s push for a zero-prohibition regime for women workers, similar to models adopted in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Scope of the Amendment in Bihar Factory Rules: Redefining Workplace Access
The revised rules now permit women to work in industries previously deemed unsafe, such as:
- Glass manufacturing
- Pesticide production
- Fat and oil extraction
- Chemical processing
- Heavy machinery operations
Previously, women were barred from working in these sectors due to safety concerns and outdated gender norms.
The new policy excludes pregnant and lactating mothers, maintaining safeguards for maternal health while expanding opportunities for others.
Officials from the Labour Resources Department confirmed that the amendment was designed to promote gender parity, increase female workforce participation, and boost industrial productivity across Bihar’s growing manufacturing hubs.
Centre’s Advisory and National Context
The Bihar government’s decision follows the Centre’s advisory to all states urging them to deregulate women-unfriendly work laws.
At the National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December 2024, the Centre highlighted how restrictive labour laws were contributing to lower female income levels—by as much as 12% to 21%—due to limited access to higher-paying industrial jobs.
States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana have already conditionally allowed women to work night shifts and in hazardous sectors.
Bihar government is taking steps to harmonize labour standards and attract investment by promoting a more inclusive workforce.
Safeguards and Implementation Strategy
To ensure safety and compliance, the Bihar government will introduce:
- Mandatory workplace safety audits
- Gender-sensitive infrastructure, including restrooms and protective gear
- Training programs for women entering hazardous roles
- Monitoring mechanisms to prevent exploitation or unsafe practices
Labour officials emphasized that the amendment would be implemented in consultation with industry bodies, labour unions, and women’s rights organizations to ensure a balanced and responsible rollout.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
