The Government of Uttar Pradesh has officially notified the Uttar Pradesh Factories (Seventy-Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2025, marking a landmark shift in labor regulations related to the employment of women in hazardous industrial processes.
The amendment updates several provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Factories Rules, 1950 to allow women to work in certain processes previously deemed unsafe — provided their consent and compliance with strict safety conditions.
This change has been made in accordance with Sections 6 and 112 of the Factories Act, 1948, read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, after the draft notification was published on April 23, 2025. With no objections or suggestions received during the 45-day public notice period, the rules have now come into force.
🔑 Key Highlights of the 75th Amendment
- ✅ Women can now work in select hazardous operations with written consent.
- 🦺 International Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards must be implemented by factory occupiers.
- ⚙️ Processes and equipment must be modernized regularly to ensure safety.
- 🚫 Pregnant and breastfeeding women remain strictly prohibited from working in high-risk processes, especially at baths or involving toxic fumes.
📋 Uniform Employment Conditions for Women
A new standard clause titled “Condition of Employment of Women” has been inserted across multiple Schedules. It lays down:
- Voluntary Consent from women workers is mandatory.
- OSH Compliance is required as per international norms.
- Modernization Mandate obliges occupiers to upgrade processes and equipment.
- Prohibition for Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women remains unchanged.
📑 Schedule-Wise Amendments: Summary
| Schedule | Earlier Provision | New Amendment |
| II | Prohibited women/young persons from working at a bath | Women allowed with consent & safety measures |
| III | Total ban on women in lead processing rooms | Women allowed with OSH -Occupational Safety and Health compliance |
| IV | No women/young persons in glass blowing | Women permitted with modern safety standards |
| VI | Prohibited certain operations in para 3 | Women permitted under standard employment conditions |
| VII | No women/young persons in gas generation (dangerous petroleum) | Women allowed with conditions |
| VIII | No women/young persons in sand blasting | Women permitted with safety, still banned for youth |
| X | Women/young persons barred from lead processes | Women permitted under strict norms |
| XII | Women barred from exposure to HCl fumes, ammonia, zinc | Permitted with safety; still restricted for youth |
| XIII | Total prohibition in rooms where processes are carried | Women allowed under new safety conditions |
| XIV | Banned from exposure to benzene | Women permitted with OSH -Occupational Safety and Health standards |
| XX | No women/young persons in solvent extraction | Women allowed with consent and safety |
| XXI | No women/young persons in manganese processes | Women now permitted with conditions |
| XXII | No women/young persons in pesticide storage or process rooms | Women allowed with updated safeguards |
Notably, young persons (under 18) remain prohibited from employment in all hazardous categories — reaffirming the state’s focus on youth protection.
🧩 Implications of the Amendment
- 🔓 Workplace equality takes a step forward, allowing women access to more industrial jobs.
- ⚖️ Balance between opportunity and safety is maintained via consent and rigorous safety protocols.
- 🏭 Encourages factories to modernize and implement global best practices in labor safety.
- 🧑🏭 Aligns with national and international goals on women’s participation in the workforce.
📅 When Does It Take Effect?
The amended rules have come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette – JULY 4TH 2025.
📝 Conclusion
The 75th Amendment to the Uttar Pradesh Factories Rules represents a progressive evolution in the state’s labor policy. It recognizes women’s right to work across sectors while ensuring that health and safety remain paramount.
The move is seen as a significant stride towards building an inclusive and modern industrial workforce, empowering women while protecting the most vulnerable