In a move aimed at enhancing industrial productivity and aligning with Ease of Doing Business reforms, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has issued a notification revising the daily spread-over limit for adult workers in factories.
The order, issued under the proviso clause of Section 56 of the Factories Act, 1948, officially increases the spread-over duration—from the previous limit of ten and a half hours to twelve hours per day, inclusive of rest intervals as prescribed under Section 55 of the Act.
This change is being implemented in response to directives from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The DPIIT, in its communication dated March 11, 2025 (Letter No. IWAI/CH/TF-CS/AN/2025), had emphasized reforms for simplification of labor regulations under the national agenda for Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.
⚖️ Key Highlights of the Notification:
- New Spread-Over Limit: Increased to 12 hours per day (inclusive of rest intervals)
- Legal Reference: Section 56 read with Section 55 of the Factories Act, 1948
- Previous Limit: 10.5 hours per day
- Jurisdiction: Applicable to all factories in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Status: Comes into effect immediately from April 17 , 2025
This change is intended to provide greater flexibility in work scheduling within factories, while ensuring that rest periods under Section 55 remain protected. The notification reflects the Administration’s commitment to boosting efficiency and regulatory ease in the manufacturing sector while complying with national reform priorities
