Maharashtra Amends Labour Laws to Allow Longer Working Hours
The Maharashtra government has approved amendments to labour laws, permitting longer daily working hours in the private sector. The workday can now be extended from nine to 10 hours in private establishments and up to 12 hours in factories, provided there is worker consent and overtime payment. The legal cap for overtime will also rise from 115 to 144 hours per quarter. The state government stated the move is aimed at attracting investment and providing flexibility during periods of high demand.
Unpacked:
Supporters argue the changes will attract investment, increase operational flexibility, and potentially boost worker earnings through more overtime. Critics, especially labour unions, contend that longer hours risk worker exploitation, reduce rest, and may lead to employers misusing the rules, ultimately harming worker health and income.
The amendments require written worker consent for overtime and mandate double pay for extra hours. There are also rest breaks after six hours and a legal weekly cap of 60 hours. However, unions worry about practical enforcement and whether workers can freely refuse overtime without pressure.
Maharashtra’s reforms align with states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura, which have also extended work hours and overtime limits. The trend reflects an effort to modernize labour laws and attract investment by increasing workplace flexibility.
The changes apply mainly to establishments with 20 or more workers. Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees are exempt from full registration requirements but must still notify authorities before operating, ensuring some oversight even for smaller workplaces.