The Labour Department, Union Territory of Chandigarh, has released a draft notification proposing significant amendments to the Punjab Factory Rules, 1952, as applicable to Chandigarh. The new draft, titled Punjab Factories (Chandigarh Amendment) Rules, 2025, has been framed under the Factories Act, 1948, with the intent to streamline licensing, enhance compliance, and improve workplace safety standards.
📢 Public Consultation Invited
The Chandigarh Administration has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders and the general public within 45 days from the date of publication. October 28th 2025.
Feedback can be submitted in writing or via email. The draft rules are available on:
- Chandigarh Administration official website
- Labour Department, UT Chandigarh website
⚙️ Key Proposed Amendments
1. Rule 8 – Grant of Licence
- The Chief Inspector of Factories or any authorized officer may grant a factory licence within 7 days of application.
- Licences will now be issued for a period of 5 years instead of annually.
- The licence fee for 5 years will be five times the one-year fee as specified in the revised schedule.
- The licence will remain valid up to 31st December of the final year of its validity period.
Revised Licence Fee Structure (One-Year Basis):
| Horsepower Installed / Employees | Up to 20 | 21–50 | 51–100 | 101–250 | 251–500 | 501–1000 | Above 1000 |
| Not exceeding 20 HP | ₹ 150 | ₹ 250 | ₹ 500 | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 1500 | ₹ 2500 | ₹ 3500 |
| 21–50 HP | ₹ 225 | ₹ 500 | ₹ 750 | ₹ 1500 | ₹ 2500 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 5000 |
| 51–100 HP | ₹ 500 | ₹ 750 | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 2500 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 5000 | ₹ 6000 |
| 101–250 HP | ₹ 750 | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 5000 | ₹ 6000 | ₹ 7500 |
| 251–500 HP | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 1500 | ₹ 2500 | ₹ 4000 | ₹ 6000 | ₹ 7500 | ₹ 10000 |
| 501–1000 HP | ₹ 1500 | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 5000 | ₹ 7500 | ₹ 10000 | ₹ 12500 |
| Above 1000 HP | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 5000 | ₹ 7500 | ₹ 10000 | ₹ 12500 | ₹ 15000 |
2. Rule 10 – Renewal of Licence
- Renewal will also be granted by the Chief Inspector or authorized officer.
- Applications must be made online in Form No. 2, along with payment for a 5-year period, at least 30 days before expiry.
- If submitted on time, the premises will be considered duly licensed until renewal is processed (within 7 days).
- Late applications will attract a 25% additional fee.
3. Rule 102 – Protection of Women Workers
The amendment proposes replacing the phrase “No women” with “No pregnant women and lactating mothers” in several hazardous operation schedules.
This change allows the employment of women in certain industrial operations, subject to the employer ensuring adequate safeguards and protective measures.
The modification applies to the following industrial processes and schedules:
- Electrolytic plating or oxidation of metals
- Manufacture and repair of electric accumulators
- Glass manufacture
- Lead and compound processing
- Gas generation from petroleum
- Sand or metal blasting operations
- Printing and type foundries
- Chemical works
- Pottery manufacture
- Carcinogenic dye production
- Oil and fat extraction using solvents
- Manganese manufacturing
- Dangerous pesticide production
- Benzene-related processes
This marks a progressive step towards gender-inclusive labour reforms while ensuring occupational safety for women workers.
📅 Short Title and Commencement
- These rules will be cited as the Punjab Factories (Chandigarh Amendment) Rules, 2025.
- They shall come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
🧭 Key Takeaways
- 🏭 5-year validity for factory licences, replacing annual renewals.
- 💻 Online renewal and application process introduced.
- 💰 Simplified fee structure linked to horsepower and workforce size.
- 👩🏭 Women’s participation enabled in industrial processes, except for pregnant and lactating workers.
- 🗳️ Public feedback window: 45 days from publication date. October 28th 2025.