The Factories (Amendment) Bill 2016 aimed to amend the existing Factories Act, 1948, which regulates the working conditions in factories. The proposed amendments were intended to modernize and streamline various aspects of the Act to align it with current industrial practices and technologies. Some of the key proposed amendments included:
- Definition of Factory: The Bill sought to redefine and clarify the term “factory” to accommodate changes in the industrial landscape, including those related to technology and automation.
- Working Hours and Overtime: It aimed to provide more flexibility to employers regarding working hours and overtime, especially in industries with continuous processes.
- Employment of Women: The Bill proposed allowing women to work in night shifts, provided that appropriate safety measures and facilities are in place.
- Annual Leave with Wages: It aimed to increase the maximum limit of annual leave with wages from 240 to 270 working days.
- Occupational Health and Safety: The Bill intended to strengthen provisions related to occupational health and safety, including the requirement for first aid facilities and emergency response.
- Electronic Record-Keeping: It proposed allowing the maintenance of records in electronic form, which would align with modern record-keeping practices.
- Single License for Multiple Processes: The Bill sought to introduce provisions for a single license for multiple processes in a factory, reducing administrative burdens for employers.
- Exemption of Small Factories: The proposed amendments aimed to provide certain exemptions for small factories, with a view to promoting ease of doing business.
Please note that the Bill may have undergone further changes or even been enacted into law after my last knowledge update. To get the most current and accurate information about the status and provisions of the Factories (Amendment) Bill 2016, I recommend consulting official government sources or legal databases.