Published in Bihar Gazette on 24 July 2025
The Government of Bihar has issued a notification making important changes to certain provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 as applicable in the state.
These changes aim to make it easier for industries to operate in Bihar while ensuring safety, welfare, and rights of workers. The revised provisions are now in force across the state.
Main Changes in Simple Words
1. Longer Working Hours – Only With Permission
In special cases, factories can increase daily working hours up to 12 hours.
Conditions:
- Workers must give written consent.
- Approval must be obtained from the State Government.
- Workers must still get their weekly day off and overtime pay.
2. Overtime Pay is Compulsory. Extra work beyond the set limits must be paid at double the normal wage rate.
This applies to:
- Extra hours in a day.
- Extra hours in a week.
- Work done on rest days or holidays.
3. The State Government can relax working hour limits for specific factories, worker categories, or situations if needed.
4. Stronger Health, Safety, and Welfare Requirements
Factories must ensure:
- Clean drinking water for all.
- Well-maintained washrooms and toilets.
- Canteens, lunchrooms, and resting places where required.
- Protective equipment, lighting, and first-aid facilities.
- Proper arrangements for changing and storing clothes.
Failing to meet these requirements will now be treated as an offence.
5. For the first time minor violations, factories can pay a compounding fee instead of going through court proceedings.
Once the fee is paid:
- No further legal action will be taken for that incident.
- Repeated offences will lead to stricter action.
6. The notification lists 25+ offences eligible for compounding, including:
- Not keeping the factory clean.
- Not providing drinking water.
- Not maintaining toilets.
- Not having canteens or rest facilities where required.
- Not paying overtime at double rates.
- Not displaying working hours.
- Not keeping workers’ registers and records.
The Bihar Government aims to:
- Boost industrial growth and attract investment.
- Give factories more flexibility to handle urgent work.
- Protect workers’ health, safety, and rights.
- Reduce long legal processes for minor offences.
What Factory Owners and HR Teams Should Do
1. Update work policies to include the new working hour rules and consent process.
2. Ensure payroll systems pay overtime at double rates.
3. Check welfare facilities — water, toilets, rest areas, safety measures.
4. Train staff on the new penalty and compounding process.
5. Keep proper records of government approvals, worker consent, and compliance actions.
? Official Gazette Notification is attached for your reference.
