Maharashtra May Extend Working Hours in Private Sector to 10 Hours Daily
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The Maharashtra government is considering a major change to labour regulations that could extend the daily working hours in private establishments to 10. This move, if implemented, would mark a significant shift in employee work schedules across the state.
Proposed Amendments Under Review
The state is reviewing possible changes to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This Act governs working conditions in shops, hotels, entertainment centres, and other commercial establishments. Officials have proposed around five key modifications, with the most prominent one being an increase in working hours.
According to the draft amendment, “No adult worker will be required or allowed to work in any establishment for more than 10 hours on any day.”
Breaks and Overtime Revisions
Another notable suggestion is a revision in break timings. At present, employees can work for up to five hours at a stretch before they must be given a break. The new proposal suggests that anyone working more than six hours continuously should be given a half-hour rest.
Overtime regulations are also on the table. Currently capped at 125 hours within three months, the proposal seeks to raise the limit to 144 hours. Alongside this, the maximum total working hours in a day, including overtime, may be extended from the current 10.5 hours to 12 hours. For urgent or unavoidable work, the existing 12-hour daily cap could even be lifted.
Applicability of the Law
The revised Act, if approved, will only cover businesses with 20 or more employees. At present, the law applies to establishments with 10 or more workers.
Government Seeks More Clarity
The state labour department recently presented the proposal to the Maharashtra cabinet. However, the cabinet has not yet reached a final decision. A senior minister said, “Hence, the decision was put on hold today,” adding that the ministers wanted more clarity on the possible implications of these changes.
Long-Pending Demand
Officials indicated that these amendments come in response to demands that have been pending for several years from the private sector. The changes are expected to impact both employers and employees significantly, sparking discussions on productivity, worker welfare, and labour rights in the state.
Proposed Amendments Under Review
The state is reviewing possible changes to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This Act governs working conditions in shops, hotels, entertainment centres, and other commercial establishments. Officials have proposed around five key modifications, with the most prominent one being an increase in working hours.
According to the draft amendment, “No adult worker will be required or allowed to work in any establishment for more than 10 hours on any day.”
Breaks and Overtime Revisions
Another notable suggestion is a revision in break timings. At present, employees can work for up to five hours at a stretch before they must be given a break. The new proposal suggests that anyone working more than six hours continuously should be given a half-hour rest.
Overtime regulations are also on the table. Currently capped at 125 hours within three months, the proposal seeks to raise the limit to 144 hours. Alongside this, the maximum total working hours in a day, including overtime, may be extended from the current 10.5 hours to 12 hours. For urgent or unavoidable work, the existing 12-hour daily cap could even be lifted.
Applicability of the Law
The revised Act, if approved, will only cover businesses with 20 or more employees. At present, the law applies to establishments with 10 or more workers.
Government Seeks More Clarity
The state labour department recently presented the proposal to the Maharashtra cabinet. However, the cabinet has not yet reached a final decision. A senior minister said, “Hence, the decision was put on hold today,” adding that the ministers wanted more clarity on the possible implications of these changes.
Long-Pending Demand
Officials indicated that these amendments come in response to demands that have been pending for several years from the private sector. The changes are expected to impact both employers and employees significantly, sparking discussions on productivity, worker welfare, and labour rights in the state.
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