Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at accelerating industrial development and attracting new investments to the State, the Odisha Government has promulgated the Factories (Odisha Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The decision follows Cabinet approval in its 27th meeting held on September 29, 2025.
The ordinance introduces key amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 as applicable to Odisha, allowing greater operational flexibility for industries while ensuring worker welfare and safety. It seeks to create a conducive environment for investment, job creation, and industrial expansion in the State.
According to the provisions, the State Government may, through notification, extend the daily working hours up to 10 hours — subject to a weekly limit of 48 hours — with workers’ written consent and mandatory paid holidays for remaining days of the week. The total number of hours without an interval may be extended to six, and the spread-over time (including rest periods) may be increased up to 12 hours.
The ordinance also raises the overtime work ceiling from 115 to 144 hours per quarter, while retaining the provision of double wages for overtime work. Additionally, it empowers the State to exempt certain categories of adult workers under specific conditions, ensuring that total work hours do not exceed 12 per day and 60 per week (including overtime).
In a progressive move towards gender inclusivity, the ordinance allows women to be employed in all types of factory work — including before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. — subject to their written consent and adherence to prescribed safety conditions.
Officials said the ordinance would be replaced by an Act of the State Legislature in due course. It is expected to provide industries with operational flexibility, enhance ease of doing business, and promote employment generation, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a preferred investment destination.
