Yogi government’s big decision! Factories Amendment Act implemented in UP

After receiving President Draupadi Murmu’s assent, the Uttar Pradesh Factories (Amendment) Act has come into effect in the state, paving the way for accelerated industrial development, increased production capacity, and more employment opportunities. The state government announced this on Tuesday. Under the new provisions, the state government has the authority to increase the maximum daily working hours in factories to 12 hours, provided the total weekly working hours do not exceed 48 hours. The Act also allows workers to work for six hours continuously without a break, based on their written consent. Furthermore, if the workload is heavy, the state government can now increase the overtime limit from 75 hours to 144 hours in a quarter. An important aspect of this amendment is the provision allowing women to work night shifts, subject to their written consent and adherence to all safety and health regulations. This measure is designed to promote gender equality in the workplace and ensure a safe working environment for women employees. Workers who work in excess of the standard daily working hours will receive overtime pay at double their regular rate. This ensures fair remuneration for additional work and is consistent with labor rights standards. This amendment aims to make Uttar Pradesh more competitive in industrial development. Principal Secretary Labor Atul Shrivastava said that these changes will enhance Uttar Pradesh’s competitiveness in industrial development. This amendment supports the state’s ambition to become a US$1 trillion economy by strengthening its industrial capabilities and workforce productivity.