The Government of Tamil Nadu has notified an important amendment to the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, aimed at rationalizing workforce limits in fireworks factories while maintaining compliance with existing safety laws. The amendment was issued under the powers conferred by Section 112 of the Factories Act, 1948, after due consultation and prior publication as required under Section 115 of the same Act.
⚙️ Key Amendment
Under the new amendment, a proviso has been added to Rule 4(6) of the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, which states:
“Provided also that in case of fireworks factories, the maximum number of persons shall be fifteen percent in excess of the man limit specified in the licence granted under the Explosives Act, 1884 (Central Act 4 of 1884) and the Explosives Rules, 2008.”
This effectively means that fireworks manufacturing units can now employ up to 15% more workers than the limit mentioned in their existing licence issued under the Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules, 2008, subject to strict adherence to safety and operational conditions.
🧨 Purpose and Context
Tamil Nadu is the hub of India’s fireworks industry, with a significant concentration of manufacturing units in Sivakasi and nearby districts. These units operate under stringent labour and safety regulations due to the hazardous nature of the materials handled.
The amendment aims to:
- Address seasonal workforce demands, especially during festive production peaks;
- Bring regulatory clarity between the Factories Act and Explosives Act provisions;
- Ensure controlled flexibility without compromising safety standards.
⚖️ Legal Framework
This amendment was made in accordance with:
- Section 112 of the Factories Act, 1948 – empowering the State Government to make rules for factory operations;
- The Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules, 2008 – which govern the licensing and safety norms for explosive and fireworks manufacturing units.
The Government Order, G.O. Ms. No. 109, explicitly integrates both regulatory frameworks, ensuring that any expansion of workforce remains legally compliant with national safety laws.
🧩 Implications for the Industry
The decision is expected to benefit hundreds of licensed fireworks units in Tamil Nadu by providing operational flexibility during high-demand periods while continuing to enforce rigorous safety checks.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that the additional 15% workforce capacity will help manage production surges efficiently, particularly during festivals like Diwali and New Year.
However, authorities have reiterated that this allowance does not exempt factories from their mandatory safety audits, worker training, and licence compliance under the Explosives Act.
📜 Key Highlights
- Rule Amended: Rule 4(6), Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950
- Legal Basis: Section 112, Factories Act, 1948
- New Provision: 15% increase in maximum manpower allowed for fireworks factories
- Applicable Law Reference: Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules, 2008
- Objective: To align workforce flexibility with safety and licensing norms
🏛️ Conclusion
The amendment represents a balanced regulatory reform, offering practical relief to the fireworks sector while maintaining strict safety oversight. It underscores the Tamil Nadu Government’s continued efforts to modernize its labour and industrial safety framework, ensuring both industrial productivity and worker protection go hand in hand.