Rajasthan's New Child Labor Ordinance: A Step Towards Worker Welfare

Rajasthan has approved a new ordinance prohibiting child labor under 14 years in commercial settings and updated factory rules to enhance worker welfare. Key changes include raising apprentice ages, night work restrictions for adolescents, and extending working hours, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring worker safety and welfare.

In a significant move for labor welfare, Rajasthan has enacted the Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, prohibiting child labor for those under 14 in commercial settings, as announced by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday.

The ordinance raises the minimum age for apprentices from 12 to 14, and extends the night work prohibition for adolescents from 14 to 18 years. This is expected to enhance children's access to health, nutrition, and education. Furthermore, daily working hours for workers have increased from nine to ten, and the overtime limit is now 144 hours per quarter, aimed at boosting productivity.

Additionally, amendments to the Rajasthan Factories Rules have been approved, allowing women to work in specific factories, with mandatory safety provisions, including protective gear like face shields and gloves. This marks a concerted effort to balance industrial growth with worker welfare and operational efficiency.

(With inputs from agencies.)