DISH Approval, Registration & Renewal for Factories

The Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) is the statutory authority responsible for enforcement of occupational safety, health, and welfare provisions in factories and construction activities, under applicable labour legislations.

DISH primarily enforces the Factories Act, 1948, the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, and State-specific Factory Rules framed thereunder. The objective is to ensure safe working conditions, protection of worker rights, and prevention of industrial accidents and disasters.

DISH also plays a key role in monitoring factories handling hazardous processes and chemicals through plan approvals, licensing, inspections, medical surveillance, and safety audits.

What is DISH Approval?

DISH approval refers to statutory permissions granted by the State Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health for:

  • Approval of factory building and machinery layout plans
  • Factory registration and grant of license
  • Renewal or amendment of factory license
  • Expansion, change of process, or increase in manpower

These approvals are mandatory before commencement of construction, installation of machinery, and operation of a factory as defined under the Factories Act, 1948.

Step-by-Step DISH Approval Process (India)

Step 1: Factory Plan Approval (Before Construction)

Before starting construction or installation of machinery, factory layout plans must be submitted to DISH for approval. This includes building drawings, machinery layout, ventilation, fire safety provisions, and hazardous process controls.

Any subsequent modification to approved plans requires submission and approval of revised drawings.

Download Factory Plan Approval – Form 1

Step 2: Factory Registration & License

After construction and before commencing manufacturing operations, the occupier must apply for factory registration and license. The license is granted for a defined period and specifies maximum manpower, installed power, and approved processes.

Download Factory Registration & License – Form 2

Step 3: Factory License Renewal

Factory licenses must be renewed periodically as prescribed in the respective State Factory Rules. Late renewal may attract penalties or prosecution.

Download Factory License Renewal – Form 3

Supporting Documents Required (Indicative)

Supporting documents must be submitted along with applications. Exact requirements vary by state, but typically include:

  • Approved factory building drawings
  • Machinery layout and process flow
  • Proof of land ownership or lease
  • Structural Stability Certificate from licensed structural engineer
  • Fire safety clearance (where applicable)
  • Details of installed power and manufacturing process

Download Sample Building Stability Certificate

Is There a National Single-Window System for DISH Approvals?

No single national-level DISH approval portal exists as of now.

Factory approvals under the Factories Act, 1948 are implemented through State Governments. Each state operates its own DISH or Factory Inspectorate portal or offline system.

Some states provide online single-window or labour department portals integrating factory license services, while others still follow hybrid or manual submission processes.

Applicants must always refer to the official State Labour Department or DISH website for the applicable procedure.

Safety Audit & Inspection Requirements

As per State Factory Rules and DISH guidelines, factories may be required to conduct periodic safety audits, especially for hazardous processes. Audit frequency may be annual or half-yearly, depending on risk category and state regulations.

Audit reports must be documented and submitted to DISH or produced during inspections.

Safety audits are statutory tools to identify hazards, assess compliance, and prevent major industrial accidents.

Four Stages of Safety Audit / Inspection

Stage 1: Preparation

Collection of information, review of drawings, checklists, previous inspection reports, and preparation of inspection tools.

Stage 2: Physical Inspection

Detailed workplace inspection involving machinery, processes, worker interaction, and verification of safety controls. Immediate corrective action is expected where serious hazards are identified.

Stage 3: Reporting

Preparation of a written report mentioning date, location, findings, risk prioritization, and recommended corrective measures.

Stage 4: Submission & Follow-up

Submission of audit report to management and DISH (where applicable) and monitoring closure of corrective actions.

Official Government References (India)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – DISH Approval & Factory Licensing

What happens if a factory starts operations without DISH approval?

Operating a factory without approved plans or a valid factory license is a statutory offence under the Factories Act, 1948. The occupier and manager may be liable for penalties, prosecution, or closure directions issued by the Inspector of Factories.

What are the penalties for non-renewal of factory license?

If a factory license is not renewed within the prescribed time, penalties may be imposed as per the relevant State Factory Rules. Continued operation without renewal may attract prosecution, fines, and inspection notices.

Is there a fixed timeline for DISH approval?

There is no single national timeline. Approval timelines are governed by State Factory Rules and administrative procedures. In practice, timelines depend on completeness of documents, site inspections, and compliance with safety provisions.

Are DISH approval fees the same across India?

No. Factory plan approval fees, license fees, and renewal charges are prescribed by individual State Governments under their respective Factory Rules. Fees are usually linked to installed power, number of workers, and license validity period.

When is fresh DISH approval required for expansion?

Fresh approval is required when there is:

  • Increase in installed power
  • Increase in number of workers beyond licensed limits
  • Addition or modification of manufacturing process
  • Change in factory layout or building structure

Revised plans and amended license applications must be submitted before implementing such changes.

Is DISH approval required for change of product or process?

Yes. Any change in manufacturing process, especially involving hazardous materials or new machinery, requires prior approval from DISH through submission of revised factory plans and license amendment.

Does DISH conduct site inspections before granting license?

Yes. DISH may conduct physical inspections to verify compliance with approved plans, safety arrangements, welfare facilities, and statutory provisions before granting or renewing a factory license.

Are safety audits mandatory for all factories?

Safety audit requirements depend on State Factory Rules and the nature of operations. Factories involving hazardous processes are commonly required to conduct periodic safety audits and submit reports to DISH.

Can factory license be suspended or cancelled?

Yes. Under the Factories Act and State Rules, licenses may be suspended or cancelled in case of serious safety violations, repeated non-compliance, or failure to implement statutory directions.

Is DISH approval required for temporary shutdown and restart?

In case of prolonged shutdown or restart with changes in process, manpower, or machinery, intimation or fresh approval may be required. The requirement depends on State Factory Rules and the nature of changes made during shutdown.

Professional Support

Himaya Prevention supports industries in coordinating with State DISH authorities for factory plan approval, registration, license renewal, and statutory safety audits in accordance with applicable laws. 

Feel free to connect with Himaya Prevention for statutory compliance and safety audit support.