Uttar Pradesh Factories (Amendment) Act has officially come into force following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, enabling the state government to extend the maximum daily working hours in factories to 12 hours, up from the previous limit of 9 hours.
The legislation, notified on November 4, 2025, is part of the state’s broader push to enhance industrial productivity and attract investment.
Key Provisions of the UP Factories Act Amendment
Under the amended law, the daily working hours in factories can now be extended to 12 hours, provided that the total weekly working hours do not exceed 48.
This means that while longer shifts are permitted, the overall weekly cap remains unchanged, aligning with national labor standards.
The Act also introduces flexibility in shift structures. Workers may now perform up to six hours of continuous work without an interval, subject to written consent.
Previously, factory workers were required to take a break after five hours of continuous work.
Another significant change is the increase in the quarterly overtime limit, which has been raised from 75 hours to 144 hours.
This provision is designed to help factories manage exceptional workloads without breaching labor laws.
Inclusion of Women in Night Shifts
A notable feature of the amendment is the provision allowing women workers to participate in night shifts, provided they give written consent and that adequate safety and health measures are in place.
This move is seen as a step toward gender inclusivity in industrial employment, though it also places responsibility on employers to ensure safe working conditions.
UP Government’s Rationale and Industry Impact
The Uttar Pradesh government has stated that the amendment will support accelerated industrial growth.
It will enhance production capacity and create more employment opportunities.
The state is aligning labor laws with the operational needs of modern industries.
This approach aims to make Uttar Pradesh a more attractive destination for manufacturing and investment.
Industry bodies have welcomed the move, highlighting the need for greater flexibility in workforce management.
This is particularly important for sectors such as textiles, electronics, and food processing.
However, labor unions have raised concerns about worker fatigue and health risks under the new provisions.
They also fear potential exploitation if safeguards are not strictly enforced.
Compliance and Oversight
Employers seeking to implement extended working hours must follow existing labor welfare provisions.
These include ensuring adequate rest periods, providing overtime compensation, and maintaining workplace safety standards.
The state government has indicated that monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure that the new provisions are not misused.
Legal experts note that the amendment offers operational advantages for industries.
However, it also places a greater responsibility on employers to uphold ethical labor practices and maintain transparent documentation, especially for consent and overtime tracking.
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