In a progressive move towards enhancing women’s workforce participation, the Kerala Government has issued a new notification – G.O.(P) No.19/2025/LBR – allowing women to be employed in select factories until 10:00 PM, under specific safety and operational safeguards. This update aligns with the state’s broader efforts to foster inclusivity in industrial employment while upholding employee safety and dignity.
Summary of the Notification:
Under this new rule, women workers can now legally work in certain industries from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, employment between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM remains prohibited.
Key Provisions and Mandatory Safeguards:
To ensure the safety and welfare of women employees working during extended hours, the following measures are legally mandated:
- Safe Dormitory Accommodation must be provided for women working late shifts.
- Free Transport with Security must be arranged for employees working beyond 7 PM, ensuring safe travel from the workplace to home.
- Shift Schedules must be pre-approved by the Inspector of Factories to ensure fair and safe work distribution.
- Work Hour Limits must follow Section 54 of the Factories Act, which limits daily working hours to no more than 9 hours.
- Dignity and Safety of Women must be prioritized at all times within the workplace.
- Form-33 Record Maintenance is required to track and report compliance with these conditions.
- The State Government retains the authority to revoke the permissions granted under this order in case of non-compliance or misuse.
Industries Where This Rule Applies:
This provision is applicable to 24 identified factory sectors, including but not limited to:
- Food and Beverage Processing
- Bakery and Confectionery Units
- Tea and Coir Production
- Plastic and Rubber Manufacturing
- Textile and Garment Factories
- Electronics and Electrical Goods Assembly
- Medical Equipment and Blood Bag Production
These sectors are seen as suitable for extended work hours under controlled and monitored conditions.
Implications of the Amendment:
For Employers:
- Must ensure strict compliance with safety provisions like transport, accommodation, and monitored shift schedules.
- Legal consequences may follow if safeguards are not implemented effectively.
- Non-compliance may lead to revocation of the exemption and potential penalties.
For Women Employees:
- Increased job opportunities in industries previously restricted due to time limitations.
- Greater access to evening shift work, which may enhance earnings and economic independence.
- Improved workplace protection, with legally backed provisions to ensure their well-being during extended shifts.
Example in Practice:
Imagine a woman working in a spice processing factory in Kerala. With this new rule, she can legally work an evening shift until 10 PM. The factory must ensure she has transportation home with a security escort, access to clean and safe rest areas, and work schedules that are approved and monitored by inspectors.
Call to Action (CTA):
Are you an employer unsure how to update your HR and compliance policies in light of Kerala’s revised labour rules for women?
👉 Contact Key4Comply for expert assistance in aligning your organization with legal safeguards and ensuring safe implementation of night shifts for women.
Under G.O.(P) No.19/2025/LBR, has revised working hour limits for women in specific factory sectors. Women can now be employed up to 10:00 PM, provided certain safety, welfare, and operational conditions are met.
Key Provisions of the Notification:
Permissible Working Hours:
- Women can work between 6 AM to 10 PM.
- Employment between 10 PM and 5 AM remains prohibited.
Mandatory Safeguards:
- Dormitory accommodation
- Free transport with security for those working beyond 7 PM
- Inspector-approved shift schedules
- Adherence to daily work hour limits under Section 54 of the Factories Act
- Protection of dignity and safety of women employees
- Proper record-keeping in Form-33
- Government holds the right to revoke this privilege
Industries Covered:
This includes 24 types of factories such as:
- Food & beverages
- Bakery & confectionery
- Tea and coir industries
- Plastic and rubber manufacturing
- Electronics, textiles, blood bags, and medicine production
Implications:
For Employers:
- Must strictly implement transport, accommodation, and shift rotation plans.
- Failure to comply may result in legal action or loss of exemption rights.
For Women Employees:
- Expanded work options and earnings
- Greater participation in night-shift roles in sectors that traditionally excluded them
Example:
A woman working in a spice processing unit can now work the evening shift until 10 PM with guaranteed drop-home service and safety protocols.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
Need help restructuring your HR policies to support night shifts for women under legal safeguards?
Contact Key4Comply for customized compliance guidance and implementation strategies.