In a move aimed at enhancing workplace protections, the Government of Bihar has officially notified the Bihar Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Issued through the Labour Resources Department, this significant update refines existing labor regulations to better support pregnant women and lactating mothers employed in factories across the state.
What’s Changed?
The amendment revises several references under Rule 95 of the Bihar Factories Rules, 1950. Specifically, the term “women” has now been replaced with the more precise designation “pregnant women and lactating mothers” across multiple schedules — including II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XIII, XVI, XVII, XVIII, and XIX.
This change narrows the legal scope, targeting protections and workplace conditions specifically for those in need of specialized health and safety measures during pregnancy and lactation periods.
Legal and Operational Impact
The updated rules are applicable statewide and come into effect immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette.
Factory owners and management are now legally required to:
- Review and revise current health and safety policies.
- Update operational practices to reflect the new terminology and focus.
- Ensure that workplace conditions do not endanger the well-being of pregnant or lactating employees.
This also means that earlier generalized provisions that applied broadly to all women must now be tailored to directly address maternal health needs.
Why It Matters
The amendment signals a more focused and progressive approach to worker welfare in Bihar’s industrial sector. It acknowledges the distinct physiological and medical needs of pregnant and nursing women and mandates that factory environments respond appropriately.
Rather than treating all women uniformly under a broad legal framework, the updated rules promote targeted health and safety standards—a step that aligns with both national labor reform trends and international best practices.
Action Steps for Factories
Factories across Bihar should act promptly to:
- Conduct a compliance audit based on the amended rules.
- Train HR personnel and supervisors on the updated legal responsibilities.
- Establish or improve support facilities such as rest areas, breastfeeding rooms, and modified work assignments where necessary.
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