Federal Pulse: The Monthly Wrap from Across the Country

Labour Law Reset

The Gujarat government has amended the Factories Act, 1948, allowing women to work night shifts between 7pm and 6am with mandatory safety provisions. The Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, effective July 1, also permits factories to extend daily working hours from nine to 12, while retaining the weekly cap at 48 hours. Overtime pay remains double the regular wage. Employers must ensure CCTVs, female guards, transport and at least 10 women per night shift. Written consent is mandatory for all extended or night shifts.

Drones, Data, Discipline

The UP government has deployed an integrated mining-surveillance system using drones, geo-fencing, radio-frequency identification tags and AI-powered check gates to curb illegal mining. The government is also integrating its mining portal with the Centre’s Parivesh portal to improve environmental-clearance monitoring.

Ports to Prosperity

The Union government has cleared a 200-km six-lane coastal highway from Mulapeta Port to Bheemili in Andhra Pradesh. The corridor will boost cargo movement, ease traffic congestion and strengthen coastal logistics.

Pay Equity Push

The Haryana government has introduced two standardised salary slabs for workers under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. The new structure offers monthly wages of ₹19,900 and ₹24,100. The move is part of the state’s effort towards pay equity for part-time and hourly workers engaged via government contracts.

Intern, Earn, Learn

The Bihar government has launched the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya scheme to support youngsters through paid internships after Class 12. The initiative is expected to boost employability, industry readiness and leadership skills. The internship period will range between three and 12 months. For the first year, ₹41 crore has been allocated, and a total outlay of ₹686 crore planned through 2030–31.

Backing Biodiversity

Arunachal Pradesh has proposed setting up India’s first ex-situ germplasm bank to preserve rare and economically important plant species. The state is also seeking support for a regional bioresource centre in Roing town to boost biotech start-ups. Highlighting staffing challenges, the state has urged timely release of grants to its science council.