The Maharashtra government is reviewing a proposal that could extend daily work hours for private sector employees. Labour Minister Akash Fundkar said the state is considering increasing the maximum from nine to ten hours per day. According to media reports, the labour department recently presented the plan at a cabinet meeting in Mumbai, and it remains under review before any final decision, the minister said
The proposed changes would involve amending the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, which currently governs working hours and employment conditions for shops, hotels, entertainment centers, and other private businesses across the state. The government believes these updates could make state labour regulations more in line with international standards while providing greater flexibility in workplaces.
One of the key changes under consideration is increasing the allowable overtime from the current 125 hours to 144 hours over a three-month period. The proposal also includes revisions to continuous working hour rules, introducing mandatory breaks to ease employee strain. Another significant amendment being studied would permit women employees to work during late hours once the new labour codes are finalized, a move authorities say could expand employment opportunities.
The state is also considering expanding the scope of establishments covered under the law. Currently, businesses with up to 10 employees are exempt, but the new proposal would extend coverage to units with up to 20 workers. Labour Minister Akash Fundkar clarified that these discussions are still in the preliminary stage. He noted that in many private organisations, employees often work longer hours than prescribed without proper compensation, prompting the review. However, he emphasized that no final decision has been made and further deliberations are ongoing.
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