Rajasthan Bans Employment of Children Under 14 in Commercial Establishments: New Labor Reforms Enhance Worker Safety and Business Efficiency

Jaipur:

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has enacted the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which implements a strict ban on employing children under 14 years of age in shops and commercial establishments across Rajasthan, according to an official statement released on Monday.

The Rajasthan government has simultaneously approved amendments to the Rajasthan Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025, designed to enhance business operations while prioritizing worker welfare and safety measures.

The new ordinance raises the minimum age requirement for apprentices from 12 to 14 years. Additionally, adolescents between 14 and 18 years will no longer be permitted to work night shifts, modifying the previous age range restriction of 12 to 15 years.

Government officials emphasized that these amendments will help secure improved access to healthcare, nutrition, and educational opportunities for children throughout the state. The ordinance also extends the maximum daily working hours for employees from nine to ten hours, while increasing the quarterly overtime limit to 144 hours.

According to governmental sources, these changes are expected to enhance operational efficiency and productivity across shops and commercial establishments in Rajasthan.

Chief Minister Sharma has further approved amendments to the Rajasthan Factories Rules that will permit women to work in specific factory environments, with special provisions implemented for safety, privacy, and protective equipment.

Under the revised regulations, employers must provide comprehensive personal safety equipment including respiratory protection, face shields, masks, gloves, and heat shields. Additionally, they must maintain proper air quality standards and deliver mandatory safety training to all workers, as outlined in the official statement.