ArdorComm Media Group

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 3:58 AM

community

TCS Q1 FY26: Attrition Rises Slightly to 13.8%, Net Profit Grows 6.7% YoY

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, reported a modest uptick in employee attrition during the first quarter of the financial year 2025–26. According to a regulatory filing on Thursday, the attrition rate for Q1 stood at 13.8%, up from 13.3% in the March quarter and 13% in the preceding December quarter. As of June 30, 2025, the company’s total workforce had grown to 613,069 employees, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6,071 from the 607,979 reported at the end of March. Highlighting the company’s focus on skill enhancement, Milind Lakkad, Chief Human Resources Officer at TCS, stated, “Talent development remains central to our strategy. This quarter, our associates dedicated 15 million hours to upskilling, particularly in emerging technologies. We now have over 114,000 employees proficient in advanced AI capabilities.” The IT major also opened the earnings season for the June quarter by posting a 6.7% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit, reaching ₹12,819 crore, compared to ₹12,105 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations witnessed a 1.3% increase, totaling ₹63,437 crore, up from ₹62,613 crore in Q1 FY25. Employee benefit expenses climbed 3.6% year-on-year to ₹37,715 crore, while the company’s overall expenses rose 1.6% to ₹48,118 crore. TCS also announced an interim dividend of ₹11 per share. The record date for eligibility is set for July 16, 2025, with dividend payouts scheduled by August 4, 2025. Source: Economic Times

TCS Q1 FY26: Attrition Rises Slightly to 13.8%, Net Profit Grows 6.7% YoY Read More »

India Nears Completion of Phase-3 Trials for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine: ICMR

India is on the cusp of a major public health milestone, with nearly 8,000 out of a targeted 10,000 participants already enrolled in Phase-3 clinical trials of the country’s first homegrown dengue vaccine, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, confirmed the progress in an interaction with The Hindu. The large-scale trials, which are being conducted at 20 different centres across the country, are testing the efficacy of DengiAll, a tetravalent vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec. This formulation aims to provide protection against all four known dengue virus serotypes that co-circulate in various parts of India. “An effective vaccine must be able to offer strong immunity against all four strains,” Dr. Murhekar emphasized. The ICMR is the primary funder of the project, with Panacea Biotec offering partial financial and technical support. Once vaccinated, participants will be monitored for a period of two years at locations including Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for dengue in India, despite the disease being a recurring and widespread health issue. India remains among the top 30 countries most affected by dengue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). By the end of 2023, over 129 countries had reported cases of dengue globally. The candidate vaccine, DengiAll, is derived from the TV003/TV005 tetravalent strain originally created by the U.S.-based National Institutes of Health. Panacea Biotec is one of three Indian firms granted access to the strain and has advanced furthest in the development process. The company completed early-stage (Phase-1 and 2) trials in 2018–19, which delivered encouraging results. It also holds a process patent for its unique formulation. The Union Health Ministry highlighted that the first participant in the Phase-3 trial received a dose at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak last year. Dengue poses a significant health threat in India. Although 75–80% of infections are asymptomatic, individuals can still spread the virus via Aedes mosquito bites. Among symptomatic cases—comprising about 20–25%—children face an elevated risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. In adults, the disease can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The challenge of controlling the virus is compounded by the presence of four distinct serotypes, each offering limited cross-immunity, making repeated infections common. With the success of this trial, India could soon have its first domestically developed and licensed dengue vaccine, marking a crucial step forward in the country’s fight against vector-borne diseases. Source: The Hindu  

India Nears Completion of Phase-3 Trials for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine: ICMR Read More »

ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 held at Seyfert Sarovar Premiere on 11th July 2025, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand 

The picturesque city of Dehradun, famously known as the ‘School Capital of India,’ played host to a landmark event that brought together the brightest minds and change-makers from the education ecosystem. On 11th July 2025, ArdorComm Media Group successfully organised the ‘Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025’ in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, under the theme: “Empowering Uttarakhand in Digital Era: Expanding boundaries of Education, Skill and Employability.” This high-impact gathering was a testament to Uttarakhand’s evolving identity as an education hub, with major cities like Roorkee, Haridwar, Haldwani, Kashipur, and Pantnagar emerging as centres of academic excellence. The summit highlighted how education, alongside tourism and agriculture, is significantly contributing to the state’s economic and social development. A Day of Ideas, Inspiration & Impact The day-long summit featured over six high-energy panel sessions and welcomed more than 50 distinguished speakers, including government dignitaries, academic leaders, edtech innovators, industry experts, and entrepreneurs. It served as a dynamic platform for powerful discussions, forward-thinking insights, and collaborative strategies focused on preparing India’s education system for a digitally-driven and rapidly evolving future. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the educational spectrum—ranging from K-12 schools to universities, engineering institutes to B-schools, preschools to edtech startups. In total, it brought together over 70 school education leaders, 100 higher education experts, 25 edtech and startup founders, 10 government officials, and 200+ delegates, making it a truly inclusive and impactful gathering. Support from Esteemed Government Leaders of Uttarakhand We are deeply honoured and grateful for the support and encouraging messages received from esteemed government leaders for the ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025, Dehradun. The inspiring words from Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Health & Cooperative, have added immense value to the summit’s vision. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Government of Uttarakhand, for his thoughtful message. The support of Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development & Employment, further strengthened the summit’s focus on aligning education with employability and skill development. Their collective encouragement reflects the government’s strong commitment to transforming Uttarakhand into a digitally empowered, education-driven state. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The Inaugural Session of the ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025, Dehradun, set the tone for the day with the theme “Empowering Uttarakhand in the Digital Era: Expanding Boundaries of Education, Skill and Employability.” The session began with a warm welcome address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, who highlighted the summit’s vision of bridging education, technology, and employability. The event was graced by C. Ravi Shankar, IAS, Secretary, Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Uttarakhand, as the Guest of Honour, who shared valuable insights on the state’s evolving skilling ecosystem. The session also featured engaging addresses by distinguished Guest Speakers – Dr. Sunil Rai, President, UPES, Dehradun, and Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education – both of whom emphasized the critical need for industry-academia collaboration and future-ready learning models to empower Uttarakhand’s youth in a tech-driven world. The first panel discussion, titled “Decoding NEP 2020: Driving India’s Education towards an Inclusive, Equitable, and Holistic Approach,” featured an esteemed panel of speakers including Prof. Manoj Kumar Panda, Director, Women Institute of Technology, Dehradun (Session Moderator); Dr. Prahlad Singh, Director, Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun; Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Banga, Director, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pauri Garhwal; Kritika Mansingh, Headmistress, The TonsBridge School, Dehradun; Dr. Nidhi Nijhawan, Founder-Director, Offspring International School, Delhi; and Lalit Rautela, Managing Director, Pioneers Academy Jaspur, Kashipur. The second panel discussion, titled “Collaboration, Creativity & Compassion: Redefining Learning in the Era of Disruption,” featured a distinguished group of education leaders including Dr. Dillip Kumar Panda, Headmaster, SelaQui International School, Dehradun (Session Moderator); Arvind Mahajan, Chairman & MD, Spring Dales English School, Kathua; Raman Koushal, Headmaster, Tula’s International School, Dehradun; Cdr Monika Pande, Principal, Doon Global School, Dehradun; Anurag Singh, Director, Samar Study Group of Schools, Kashipur; and Rekha Negi, Director & Owner, Lakshya Public School, Dehradun. The third panel discussion, titled “Smart Skills, Smarter Workforce: Educating for an AI-Powered & Tech-Driven World,” featured a dynamic lineup of speakers including Arti Dwivedi, Account Manager – North, Education & Government, Adobe (Session Moderator); Dr. Sunil Rai, President, UPES, Dehradun; Dr. D. B. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Haridwar University, Roorkee; Prof. (Dr.) Himanshu Aeran, Vice Chancellor, Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Dehradun; Prof. (Dr.) Shankar Ramamoorthy, Vice Chancellor, Jigyasa University, Dehradun; and Prof. Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice Chancellor, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun. The fourth panel, titled “Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era: Building a Continuous Upskilling Culture,” brought together experts including Siddhartth Singh, Director, Meritto (Session Moderator); Prof. (Dr.) Satyendra Mittal, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Patanjali, Haridwar; Prof. (Dr.) P.S. Rana, Pro Vice Chancellor, Bhagwant Global University Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal; Prof. (Dr.) Bhagwan Nautiyal, Vice Chancellor, Smt. Manjira Devi University, Uttarkashi; Prof. Dr. Bodhisatva Acharya, Registrar, Maharaja Agrasen Himalayan Garhwal University, Pauri Garhwal; and Dr. Manmohan Gupta, Dean-Academics, Subharti University. The fifth panel, titled “Empowering Future Talent: Skills, Tech & Workforce Readiness in a Digital Age,” featured an expert group including Prof. (Dr.) Manish Shrivastav, Director, Quantum School of Business, Roorkee (Session Moderator); Prof. (Dr.) J. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun; Bhupinder Singh Arora, Co-Founder & CEO, BFIT Group of Institutions & Guru Nanak College, Dehradun; Dr. Krishna Prakash Sharma, Vice President, B.S. Negi Mahila Pravidhik Prashikshan Sansthan, Dehradun; and Prof. (Dr.) Yograj Singh, Director, Shriram Institute of Management & Technology, Kashipur. Industry Speeches The Industry Speech titled “Changing Higher Education Landscape in India with AI and Quantum” was delivered by Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education, who shared valuable insights on how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are transforming higher education in India. The second Industry Speech, titled “From Credentials to Careers, Powered by Blockchain & AI,”

ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 held at Seyfert Sarovar Premiere on 11th July 2025, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand  Read More »

India May Face Over 1.6 Million Gastric Cancer Cases, Global Study Warns

A new international study published in Nature Medicine has sounded the alarm over a possible surge in gastric cancer cases, predicting that more than 15 million individuals born between 2008 and 2017 could develop the disease globally during their lifetime. India is projected to bear a significant burden, second only to China, with an estimated 1.6 million cases if current prevention efforts remain unchanged. The research, led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research wing of the World Health Organization, used global cancer incidence data from GLOBOCAN 2022 along with UN demographic forecasts. It found that nearly two-thirds of future gastric cancer cases will likely emerge in Asia, with India and China alone expected to contribute about 6.5 million new diagnoses. A key finding of the study highlights that 76% of these cases could be linked to Helicobacter pylori—a widespread and chronic bacterial infection of the stomach that significantly increases cancer risk. Despite being preventable and treatable, H. pylori remains a major health challenge in many countries. Gastric cancer is currently the fifth most deadly cancer worldwide. The study also points to an anticipated six-fold rise in cases across sub-Saharan Africa, where the current incidence is relatively low. Experts behind the research are urging governments to invest in large-scale preventive measures—especially in screening and treatment programs targeting H. pylori. They stress that such interventions could slash future cancer cases by as much as 75%. The researchers warn that an ageing global population, along with rising cancer rates in younger people, could undo recent progress in cancer control if swift action is not taken. The findings reinforce the urgent need for countries, particularly in Asia, to enhance public health strategies focusing on early diagnosis, education, and bacterial eradication to curb the looming threat of gastric cancer. Source: CNBCTV18

India May Face Over 1.6 Million Gastric Cancer Cases, Global Study Warns Read More »

YouTube to Tighten Monetization Rules Amid Rising Concerns Over AI-Generated ‘Slop’ Content

YouTube is set to roll out stricter guidelines aimed at curbing monetization of inauthentic, repetitive, or mass-produced videos — a move largely prompted by the surge in AI-generated content flooding the platform. Effective July 15, YouTube will update its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) monetization policies, offering clearer definitions of what qualifies as “authentic” content and what doesn’t. While the precise wording of the policy update has yet to be published, YouTube’s Help Center now emphasizes that the platform has always required creators to post original content to be eligible for earnings. The upcoming changes, according to YouTube’s Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie, are intended to clarify rather than overhaul policy. In a recent video message, Ritchie reassured creators that widely accepted formats such as reaction videos or content that includes reused clips won’t be affected. He called the update a “minor” revision to existing rules, specifically targeting mass-produced, low-value content that viewers often flag as spam. However, the broader context paints a more urgent picture. As generative AI tools become more accessible, platforms like YouTube have seen an influx of low-effort, AI-generated videos. These range from automated voiceovers layered on stock images or video snippets, to full AI-generated true crime series and even fabricated news updates that have gained millions of views. Some AI-based music channels boast massive followings, despite questions about originality and authenticity. One notable example includes an AI-generated crime series that went viral, later revealed by 404 Media to be entirely machine-made. Even YouTube CEO Neal Mohan was recently featured in a deepfake scam, underlining how pervasive — and potentially harmful — this technology has become. Though YouTube insists the July update is a clarification rather than a policy shift, the underlying motive is clear: prevent the platform from being overrun by AI-created “slop” that could undermine its integrity and trust with viewers. By implementing these revised guidelines, YouTube aims to draw a firm line against inauthentic content, making it easier to deny monetization and, if necessary, remove offending creators from the Partner Program altogether. As AI tools continue to evolve, platforms like YouTube are being forced to adapt quickly — ensuring that content quality and originality remain at the core of their ecosystems. Source: TechCrunch

YouTube to Tighten Monetization Rules Amid Rising Concerns Over AI-Generated ‘Slop’ Content Read More »

NCERT and Canva Partner to Offer Free Digital Certification Courses for Indian Educators

In a move aimed at empowering educators with 21st-century teaching skills, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has entered into a strategic partnership with Canva, a global visual communication platform. The collaboration will roll out three self-paced, online certification courses for school teachers across India—completely free of charge. These courses, designed to enhance digital fluency, creative instruction, and collaborative teaching practices, will be hosted on DIKSHA, the Ministry of Education’s flagship digital learning platform. To ensure inclusivity, they will also be televised via PM eVidya’s DTH channels, making the training accessible even in areas with limited or no internet access. The programme will be offered in multiple Indian languages to promote nationwide participation. Teachers participating in the training will explore Canva for Education’s features to create interactive lesson plans, visually engaging presentations, infographics, and a variety of educational content. The programme also includes exposure to collaborative pedagogies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can elevate classroom learning. Successful participants will receive joint certification from NCERT and Canva. As per the MoU, Canva will provide complimentary access to its educational suite and contribute to developing customized instructional resources. Meanwhile, NCERT will ensure the content aligns with India’s national curriculum framework and is tailored for regional relevance. This initiative supports the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly around visual learning, critical thinking, and design-centric pedagogy. Teachers will also receive guidance on leveraging AI tools to boost classroom engagement and optimize lesson delivery. With over 500 integrated educational tools and apps—including games, translation aids, worksheets, and subject-specific infographics—Canva for Education is positioned as a comprehensive platform for modern teaching. Its AI-powered features simplify content creation, enabling teachers to plan and execute lessons more efficiently. Canva’s statement highlighted that its education arm saw remarkable growth in 2024, onboarding over 25 million students and teachers globally, with its total education community surpassing 100 million users. Teacher usage on the platform surged by 50%, while student engagement more than doubled, fueled by tools like Dream Lab that empower educators to create customized visual content. This collaboration marks a significant step towards digital empowerment in Indian classrooms, equipping teachers with the tools and training to thrive in a technology-integrated learning environment. Source: Indian Express

NCERT and Canva Partner to Offer Free Digital Certification Courses for Indian Educators Read More »

NITI Aayog Unveils 2023–24 Edition of North Eastern Region District SDG Index

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and technical partner UNDP, has released the second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for 2023–24. This comprehensive report evaluates the progress of 121 districts across all eight northeastern states in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This updated index builds on the foundation set by the inaugural edition published in August 2021. It offers a data-centric approach to monitoring district-level performance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The tool is intended to guide policymakers in implementing targeted, evidence-based interventions to drive sustainable growth. The report was officially launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and UNDP India Resident Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi. Among the districts, Hnahthial in Mizoram ranked highest with a composite score of 81.43, while Longding in Arunachal Pradesh came in at the bottom with a score of 58.71. Notably, all districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura qualified as “Front Runners” (with scores ranging from 65 to 99). No districts fell into the “Achiever” category (a perfect score of 100) or the “Aspirant” category (scores below 50). Sikkim stood out for its uniformity in development, with only a 5.5-point variation between its highest and lowest scoring districts—indicating balanced growth. Tripura also demonstrated stable intra-state performance. During the launch event, Vice Chairman Bery emphasized the strategic importance of achieving the SDGs by 2030 as a stepping stone toward India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. CEO Subrahmanyam referred to the Northeast as the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India, underlining its developmental significance. MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar noted the index’s usefulness in identifying developmental shortfalls and guiding targeted action, while UNDP’s Dr. Lusigi underscored the urgency of converting data insights into tangible outcomes. The NER District SDG Index 2023–24 serves as a vital policy instrument for promoting inclusive, region-specific development. It empowers administrators and stakeholders to make informed decisions, allocate resources strategically, and accelerate sustainable progress in India’s northeastern frontier. Source: DD News

NITI Aayog Unveils 2023–24 Edition of North Eastern Region District SDG Index Read More »

Planned C-Sections May Increase Childhood Leukaemia Risk, Study Finds

A recent study from Sweden suggests that babies delivered through planned caesarean sections may face a higher risk of developing leukaemia—specifically acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)—compared to those born via emergency C-sections or vaginal delivery. The study, conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and published in The International Journal of Cancer, analysed health data from nearly 2.5 million children born between 1982–1989 and 1999–2015, using Sweden’s Medical Birth Register. Of the total births, around 375,000 (15.5%) were delivered through C-sections. Among these, 1,495 children were later diagnosed with leukaemia. The researchers found that children born via C-section had a 7% higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia compared to those born vaginally. Notably, when comparing types of C-sections, those delivered by planned (elective) C-section faced a 21% increased risk of ALL than those born through emergency C-sections. One possible explanation, the study suggests, lies in the differing levels of exposure to beneficial bacteria and birth stress. Emergency C-sections typically occur after the onset of labour, and if the amniotic sac has ruptured, the baby is partially exposed to vaginal microbes and the physical stress of labour—factors that might positively influence immune development. Planned C-sections, on the other hand, are often scheduled before labour begins, limiting such exposure. Lead researcher Christina-Evmorfia Kampitsi emphasized that the findings shouldn’t cause undue concern for mothers who require medically necessary C-sections. However, she noted that the results support existing research indicating that planned C-sections may also be linked to increased risks of asthma, allergies, and type 1 diabetes in children. “These insights strengthen the case for carefully evaluating the necessity of non-medically indicated planned caesarean deliveries,” Kampitsi said. The study contributes to a growing body of evidence exploring how early-life exposures—especially those related to birth methods—may influence long-term health outcomes, including the development of childhood cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Source: PTI

Planned C-Sections May Increase Childhood Leukaemia Risk, Study Finds Read More »

‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Sets New Viewership Record, Prime Video Greenlights Season 5 for 2026 Release

The latest chapter of Panchayat, one of India’s most beloved web series, dropped on Amazon Prime Video on June 24—and it’s already making headlines. Season 4 has recorded the biggest launch in the show’s history, both in India and globally. Following this resounding success, Prime Video has officially confirmed that Panchayat will return for Season 5, slated for release in 2026. Marking a milestone for the franchise, Season 4 emerged as the most-watched season yet during its opening week. It quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts, trending in the Top 10 across more than 42 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and the UAE. In India, the series has been holding strong at the #1 spot and was streamed in over 180 countries during its debut week. Prime Video took to Instagram to make the Season 5 announcement with a playful post: “Hi 5 👋 Phulera wapas aane ki taiyyaari shuru kar lijiye,” hinting that audiences will once again be transported to the fictional village of Phulera. Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, expressed his excitement, saying, “The overwhelming response to Season 4 has been phenomenal. It not only reinforces the show’s cultural impact but also its global reach. Panchayat’s heartwarming storytelling and genuine characters have made it a universal favourite. The success highlights the growing appetite for grounded, Indian narratives that resonate beyond borders.” Vijay Koshy, President of The Viral Fever (TVF), echoed this sentiment. “Panchayat has always been close to our hearts—it’s a celebration of rural India, told with humor and honesty. This journey with Prime Video has been incredibly fulfilling. The support from fans around the world has been humbling, and we’re thrilled to begin work on Season 5.” Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, Panchayat is produced by TVF and co-directed by Akshat Vijaywargiya and Deepak Kumar Mishra. The series features a stellar cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha. Despite some divided opinions about Season 4’s ending, the series continues to captivate with its simple storytelling and endearing portrayal of life in rural India. And with Season 5 already in the works, fans can look forward to another trip to Phulera in 2026. Source: Hindustan Times  

‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Sets New Viewership Record, Prime Video Greenlights Season 5 for 2026 Release Read More »

Gujarat Revises Factory Labour Laws: 12-Hour Shifts, Night Work for Women Permitted Under New Ordinance

In a bold move to enhance industrial productivity and attract greater investment, the Gujarat government has enacted a significant overhaul of its factory labour regulations. Through the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the state has extended the permissible daily work hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours — a decision that comes with several conditions to safeguard workers’ rights and wellbeing. Although the daily shift limit has been expanded, the ordinance retains the weekly work cap at 48 hours. The new rules mandate that extended shifts must be voluntary and require written consent from workers. Another key change is the increase in uninterrupted work duration, which may now go up to six hours before a break, pending formal notification. Furthermore, overtime provisions have been revised significantly. Workers putting in extra hours will receive double pay, and the cap on overtime has been raised from 75 to 125 hours per quarter, again contingent upon the worker’s voluntary participation. A landmark provision in the amendment is the authorization for women to work night shifts — between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM — a move hailed as progressive and inclusive. However, this comes with strict safety protocols: employers must ensure a minimum of 10 women are present during a shift, provide secure transport, install 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and deploy female security personnel. Crucially, women can only be scheduled for night shifts with their written consent, and workplaces must have robust anti-harassment measures in place. The ordinance was promulgated in the absence of a state assembly session and reflects Gujarat’s aim to position itself as a more flexible and investment-friendly industrial hub. By aligning labour practices with evolving economic demands, the state hopes to spur job creation and boost competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. Source: IANS

Gujarat Revises Factory Labour Laws: 12-Hour Shifts, Night Work for Women Permitted Under New Ordinance Read More »