Highlights of the Bill

  • The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2005 seeks to amend the Factories Act, 1948.

  • The Principal Act restricts the employment of women in factories in night shifts. The Bill authorises state governments to remove the restrictions, subject to certain safeguards.

Key Issues and Analysis

  • While the Bill allows women to work night shifts in factories, there may not be adequate safeguards to prevent exploitation of women workers.

  • Other than the Factories Act, 1948, various state Shops and Commercial Establishment Acts also prohibit women from working at night.

Read the complete analysis here