In a significant move to enhance workplace safety, particularly for vulnerable categories of workers, the Government of Puducherry has issued a Draft Amendment to the Puducherry Factories Rules, 1964. The draft proposes stricter prohibitions on the employment of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons in hazardous industrial operations.
The amendment is published for public consultation and feedback, inviting objections or suggestions within 45 days of its publication in the Official Gazette.(AUGUST 7TH,2 025)
Purpose of the Amendment:
The draft rules aim to:
- Protect the health and safety of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons (under 18 years).
- Prevent exposure to toxic substances, hazardous processes, and high-risk industrial operations.
- Mandate alternate safe work for restricted individuals where required.
Key Proposed Amendments Include:
- Schedule II–XXVIII of the Puducherry Factories Rules will be updated to:
- Prohibit employment of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons in:
- Lead and manganese processes
- Operations involving dangerous petroleum gas, blasting, and benzene
- Blasting chambers, nitro or amino compound rooms, and solvent extraction plants
- Rooms handling dangerous pesticides
- Various chemical-intensive manufacturing units
- Empower the Chief Inspector of Factories to issue specific orders restricting or prohibiting employment in processes listed in Appendix A (Schedule XVIII).
- Ensure alternate safe work is provided to those who are restricted from certain roles.
- Prohibit employment of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young persons in:
Examples of Specific Prohibitions:
- Schedule III: No pregnant woman, lactating mother, or young person shall be allowed to work in lead oxide manipulation areas.
- Schedule VIII: Employment banned in all blasting-related operations.
- Schedule XIX: Prohibits employment in rooms handling nitro/amino compounds.
- Schedule XXI: Exposure to benzene or benzene-based substances is prohibited.
- Schedule XXVIII: Restricts work in manganese-related processes.
Public Participation Invited:
Citizens, workers, industry stakeholders, and labour unions are encouraged to:
- Review the draft amendment
- Submit feedback, suggestions, or objections
- Send responses to the Secretary to Government (Labour), Puducherry
Submissions should be made within 45 days from the date of official publication(AUGUST 7TH 2025)
Conclusion:
This draft amendment represents a progressive step toward aligning workplace safety norms in Puducherry with contemporary health standards and labour protections. It emphasizes the government’s commitment to occupational safety and the well-being of vulnerable workers.