Maharashtra Approves Longer Working Hours in Private Sector

The Maharashtra cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved amendments to labour laws that will increase the maximum daily working hours for private sector employees. This decision, aimed at attracting investments, creating jobs, and protecting workers’ rights, aligns Maharashtra with states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura, which have already adopted similar reforms.

Key Amendments in Labour Laws

Under the Factories Act, 1948

• Daily Work Hours: Increased from 9 to 12 hours.
• Rest Breaks: Allowed after 6 hours (earlier 5 hours).
• Overtime Cap: Raised from 115 to 144 hours per quarter, with mandatory written consent from workers.
• Weekly Work Hours: Extended from 10.5 to 12 hours.

Under Which Act

Under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017

• Daily Work Hours: Increased from 9 to 10 hours.
• Overtime Limit: Raised from 125 to 144 hours per quarter.
• Emergency Duty Hours: Extended up to 12 hours.
• Applicability: Establishments with 20 or more workers.
• Small Establishments: Those with fewer than 20 workers will not need registration certificates but must notify authorities via a simple intimation process.

Impact and Objectives

Ease of Doing Business: Industries can function smoothly during peak demand or labour shortages.

Worker Rights,

• Overtime wages to be paid at double rates.
• Workers’ written consent mandatory for extended hours.
• Employment and Investment: Expected to attract industries, generate jobs, and boost the state’s economy.
• Focus on Inclusivity: The labour department stated that the amendments would help create a more comfortable work environment, particularly for women.

Important Takeaways for Exam

• The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved amendments to labour laws to increase daily working hours for private sector employees.
• New daily work hour limit: Increased from 9 to 10 hours (for shops and establishments) and up to 12 hours (for factories).
• The decision aims to attract investment, generate employment, and safeguard workers’ rights.
• The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.