The Government of Chhattisgarh has issued a significant draft notification proposing wide-ranging amendments to the Chhattisgarh Factories Rules, 1962, aimed at enhancing worker safety—particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons—across multiple hazardous industrial processes.
Published under Notice No. ESTB-1/1380/2025-LABOUR, the draft amendments have been notified in exercise of the powers granted under Section 87 of the Factories Act, 1948. As mandated by Section 115(1) of the Act, the proposed rules are now open for public comments for 45 days from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.(NOVEMBER 11 2025).
Stakeholders may submit objections or suggestions to the Secretary, Department of Labour, Government of Chhattisgarh, at Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, during office hours.
Key Highlights of the Draft Amendments
1. New Definitions Introduced
Two new definitions are proposed in Rule 2:
- “Lactating mother” – a woman up to six months after childbirth.
- “Pregnant woman” – a woman who is pregnant.
This formal inclusion strengthens the regulatory framework for sensitive categories of workers.
2. Expanded Protection Across Multiple Hazardous Processes
The draft makes sweeping revisions to several Schedules under the Rules, imposing strict prohibitions on the employment of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons across high-risk operations.
For other women and adult workers, employment is permitted only with advanced engineering controls, monitoring systems, medical surveillance, and mandatory safety training.
Below is a summary of key amendments across major Schedules:
Schedule II – Electrolyting & Metal Plating
- Prohibited: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons.
- Permitted for others with:
- Enclosed systems
- Air monitoring
- Specialized PPE
- Regular medical checks
- Compliance with PEL norms under Rule 124-B
Schedule III – Lead Processes (Electrical Accumulators)
- Strict prohibition on high lead-exposure areas.
- Employment of others allowed with:
- Automated systems
- Blood lead level monitoring
- Safety training
Schedule IV – Glass Manufacturing
- Complete prohibition for vulnerable categories.
- Conditional employment with:
- Heat control systems
- Cooling mechanisms
- Respiratory protection
- Exposure-time limitation
Schedule VI – Lead Handling
- Prohibited for pregnant/lactating workers and young persons.
- Others allowed with:
- Automated handling
- Enclosed procedures
- Respiratory protection
- Monthly blood tests
Schedule VII – Petrol Gas Production
- Prohibited for vulnerable categories.
- Others allowed with:
- Remote monitoring
- Gas detection systems
- Emergency response training
- Breathing apparatus
Schedule X – Lead Processes in Printing Presses
- Similar prohibitions and conditions as other lead-related operations.
Schedule XII – Pottery Manufacturing
- Vulnerable workers prohibited entirely.
- Conditional employment with:
- Wet methods for dust control
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Respiratory protection
- Lead-free glazes where possible
Schedule XVIII – Solvent Extraction Plants
- Prohibited for pregnant/lactating women and young workers.
- Conditional employment with:
- Enclosed extraction systems
- Vapor recovery
- Air monitoring
- Specialized PPE
Schedule XX – Manganese Processes
- Complete prohibition for vulnerable workers.
- Conditional employment with:
- Automated high-hazard tasks
- Respiratory protection
- Health surveillance
Schedule XXI – Benzene Exposure
- Total prohibition for pregnant and lactating workers due to carcinogenic risk.
- Others allowed with:
- Closed systems
- Continuous monitoring
- Biological monitoring
- Strict PPE protocols
Schedule XXII – Stone Cutting (Slate Pencils)
- Prohibited for pregnant and lactating workers and young persons.
Schedule XXIII – Dangerous Pesticides
- Prohibited for vulnerable categories.
- Others allowed with:
- Automated handling
- Enclosed processes
- Medical tests for organophosphates
- PPE and safety training
Schedule XXIV – Carcinogenic Dye Intermediates
- Prohibited for vulnerable categories.
- Others allowed with:
- Closed systems
- Vapor monitoring
- Limited exposure
- Mandatory PPE
Conclusion
The proposed amendments represent a comprehensive modernization of workplace safety regulations in Chhattisgarh’s industrial sector. By clearly defining vulnerable worker groups and mandating advanced safety measures across hazardous processes, the State aims to align factory operations with contemporary occupational health standards.
The Government will finalize the rules after considering feedback received within the statutory 45-day consultation period.