The Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) has officially notified the Factories (Ladakh) Amendment Regulation, 2025, a Presidential Regulation that introduces notable amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 as it applies to the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Regulation has been promulgated under Article 240 of the Constitution, read with Section 58(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The amendments aim to modernize labour regulations, redefine administrative authority, expand permissible work hours, and revise provisions concerning the employment of women in the region’s industrial establishments. The Regulation will come into force on a date to be notified by the Ladakh Administration.
⭐ Key Highlights of the Regulation
1. Administrator Redefined as “State Government”
A new clause—Section 2(pp)—has been inserted to clarify that:
“State Government” means the Administrator of Ladakh, appointed by the President under Article 239.
This gives the Administrator powers normally exercised by state governments under the Factories Act.
2. Gender-Neutral Language Introduced in Section 22
- “Adult male worker” replaced with “adult worker”, ensuring gender neutrality.
- References to “woman or” deleted in Section 22(2), indicating procedural equality in handling machinery requiring special caution.
3. Working Hours Increased
The Regulation significantly revises permissible working hours:
Section 54 – Daily Working Hours
- Maximum working hours increased from 9 hours to 10 hours.
Section 55 – Rest Intervals
- Rest interval threshold increased from 5 hours to 6 hours.
- Sub-section prohibiting work without a 30-minute break after 5 hours has been omitted.
Section 56 – Spreadover Extended
- Maximum spreadover (total time from start to finish of the workday including breaks) increased from 10.5 hours to 12 hours.
- The earlier proviso has been omitted, simplifying the rule.
4. Overtime and Special Provisions Expanded
Section 65 – Overtime Cap Increased
- Annual overtime limit raised from 75 hours to 144 hours, allowing industries more flexibility during peak production cycles.
5. Employment of Women – Restrictions Relaxed with Safeguards
Section 66 – Revised Working Hours for Women
- Women can now work between 6 AM and 7 PM, but with safeguards and the option to work night shifts if they consent.
- Employers must ensure:
- Adequate safety and security measures
- Necessary holiday provisions
Hazardous Processes
- The Administrator may restrict women’s employment in hazardous operations unless additional prescribed safeguards are provided.
This marks a major shift toward expanding employment opportunities for women while ensuring safety.
6. Definition of a Factory Revised
Section 85 – Applicability Threshold Increased
For establishments not falling under standard definitions:
- Minimum number of workers increased from 10 to 20 (with power).
- From 20 to 40 (without power).
This means fewer small units will now fall under mandatory factory regulations, reducing compliance burdens.
📌 Overall Significance
The Factories (Ladakh) Amendment Regulation, 2025 introduces sweeping changes aimed at:
- Modernizing labour practices in Ladakh’s emerging industrial sector
- Aligning laws with national reforms and regional industrial needs
- Enabling flexible work models through enhanced work-hour limits
- Improving women’s labour force participation with structured protections
- Clarifying administrative control by designating the Ladakh Administrator as the “State Government”
The amendments are expected to improve industrial productivity while balancing worker welfare and safety in the Union Territory.