Shift Timing Changes: How to Implement and Do We Need Official Approval?

In our factory, shift timings start as follows:

Shift A: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
Shift B: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Shift C: 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Each shift includes a 30-minute lunch/rest break. This totals to 7.5 hours of work plus the 30-minute lunch/rest break. The management has now decided to change the shift timings to 8.0 hours of work plus the 30-minute lunch/rest break.

Please advise us on how this modification can be implemented and what the new shift timings will be. Is there a requirement for written permission from the Chief Inspector of Factories/Labour Department?

Notification of Changes in Work System

Kindly refer to Section 61 of the Factories Act in this connection.

Some extracts for information:

Any proposed change in the system of work in any factory which will necessitate a change in the notice referred to in sub-section (1) shall be notified to the Inspector in duplicate before the change is made. Except with the previous sanction of the Inspector, no such change shall be made until one week has elapsed since the last change.

"(10) Any proposed change in the system of work in any factory which will necessitate a change in the notice referred to in sub-section (1) shall be notified to the Inspector in duplicate before the change is made. Except with the previous sanction of the Inspector, no such change shall be made until one week has elapsed since the last change."