Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Gujarat unanimously passed the Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to expand employment opportunities for women and introduce greater flexibility in working conditions. The legislation permits women to work night shifts between 9 pm and 6 am with mandatory safeguards such as consent, transportation, rest facilities, creche provisions, and protection against harassment. It also increases the daily working hour limit from 9 to 10 hours while retaining the 48-hour weekly cap, and raises the overtime limit from 125 to 144 hours per quarter with double wage compensation. The Bill replaces a previous ordinance and retains government regulatory oversight powers.