The Government of Punjab has issued a significant notification under the Factories Act, 1948, which redefines the authority over regulating the working hours of women in factories. As per the new directive, the powers previously held by the State Government under Section 66(1)(b) of the Act will now be exercised by the Labour Commissioner-cum-Director of Factories, Punjab.
This move aims to decentralize decision-making and bring quicker administrative responses to matters concerning the employment of women in factories.
🔍 What Does Section 66(1)(b) Say?
Section 66 of the Factories Act imposes additional restrictions on the employment of women. Clause (b) specifically states that:
“No woman shall be required or allowed to work in any factory except between the hours of 6 A.M. and 7 P.M.”
However, the State Government holds the authority to vary these limits for specific factories or classes of factories through a notification in the Official Gazette. Even in such cases, no woman can be employed between 10 P.M. and 5 A.M.
🏛️ New Authority Structure
With this latest notification, dated 25th July 2025 , the Labour Commissioner-cum-Director of Factories is now fully empowered to:
- Approve any extension or modification of working hours for women in factories.
- Issue official notifications pertaining to specific classes or groups of factories.
- Ensure compliance with safety and legal standards under revised schedules.
⚙️ Why It Matters
This delegation of authority is expected to streamline decision-making, ensure timely redressal of industry requests, and enhance administrative efficiency. It also aligns with broader national efforts to modernize labor laws and empower local governance structures.
This change coincides with the upcoming implementation of the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which takes effect on August 1, 2025, indicating a coordinated push toward labor reform and employment growth.