Part -IV Extra Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs Department

**Executive Summary** This document is the Gujarat Government Gazette Extraordinary, published on February 27, 2026, detailing Gujarat Act No. 1 of 2026. This Act amends the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019, and is deemed to have come into force on December 16, 2025. It includes changes to working hours and provisions for women workers. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Short Title and Commencement:** * The Act is named the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Act, 2026. * It is deemed to have come into force on December 16, 2025. * **Amendments to the Principal Act:** * **Section 1:** The word "ten" is substituted with "twenty" in two places within sub-section (3). * **Section 7:** The word "ten" is substituted with "twenty" wherever it appears, including in the marginal note. * **Section 12:** The words "nine hours" are substituted with "ten hours," and "five hours" are substituted with "six hours." * **Section 13 (Working Hours for Women):** * A proviso is substituted in sub-section (2) allowing women workers to work between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. with consent, provided specific facilities like a rest room, night creche, ladies toilet, and transportation are made available by the employer. * A new sub-section (3) is added, allowing the State Government to prohibit or regulate the employment of women workers between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. through a notification in the Official Gazette, in the public interest. * **Section 15:** * The words "nine hours" are substituted with "ten hours." * The words "one hundred and twenty-five hours" are substituted with "one hundred and forty-four hours." * **Repeal and Saving:** * The Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, is repealed. * Any actions taken under the repealed Ordinance are deemed to have been taken under the principal Act as amended by this Act. **Impact Analysis** **Shop and Establishment Owners/Employers** * **Impact:** They need to comply with revised working hour limits, specifically an increase from "ten hours" to "twenty" in some sections and a shift from "nine hours" to "ten hours" for certain work periods. They must also adhere to updated regulations concerning the employment of women workers during night hours, including the provision of specific facilities if they choose to employ women during these times. The limits on total monthly working hours have also been increased. * **Action Required:** Review and update employment contracts, shift schedules, and workplace policies to align with the amended working hour provisions and night work regulations for women. Ensure necessary facilities are in place if employing women after 9:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. **Women Workers** * **Impact:** They may have the option to work during night hours (9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) if their employer provides specific facilities and they consent. However, their night work employment may also be subject to prohibition or regulation by the State Government. Their daily and monthly working hour limits have also been adjusted. * **Action Required:** Be aware of the updated provisions regarding night work and consent requirements, and understand potential State Government regulations that may affect their night employment. **State Government (Gujarat)** * **Impact:** The State Government has the authority to issue notifications to prohibit or regulate the employment of women workers during night hours in the public interest. * **Action Required:** Utilize the authority granted by the Act to issue notifications as deemed necessary for the public interest regarding night work for women. **Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Gujarat** * **Impact:** Responsible for the publication and notification of the Act. * **Action Required:** No specific new actions are mentioned in the document beyond their standard role in publishing government acts.

Key Entities Referenced