Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. | Photo credit: ANI
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s government has approved an ordinance banning the employment of children below the age of 14 in commercial establishments, a statement said on Monday (Oct 27, 2025).
The state has also approved changes to the Rajasthan Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aimed at promoting business activities while ensuring the welfare and safety of workers, the statement said.
Under the Rajasthan Shops and Business Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the minimum age of apprentices has been raised from 12 to 14 years and youths aged 14 to 18 will no longer be allowed to work during night hours – a change from the earlier limit of 12 to 15 years.
Officials said the amendment will help ensure children have better access to health, nutrition and education.
The decree also increases the maximum daily working hours for workers from nine to ten hours, with the overtime limit increased to 144 hours per quarter.
According to the government, the move will improve operational efficiency and productivity in shops and commercial establishments.
Changes in Rajasthan’s factories rules allow women to be employed in specific types of factories with special provisions for safety, privacy and protective equipment.
Under the new rules, employers must provide personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection, face shields, masks, gloves and heat shields, maintain air quality and provide mandatory safety training to all workers, the statement said.
Published – 27 Oct 2025 20:20 IST
