Andhra Pradesh has decided to increase the maximum number of daily working hours in the private sector from 9 to 10.
With this move, the government of Andhra Pradesh is hoping to attract more companies and investments to its cities. Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy added that the amendments will be made keeping the interests of both the workers and the investors in mind. As per the amendments, the quarterly overtime cap in Andhra Pradesh will be increased to 144 hours from 75 hours.
“Section 54, which allows maximum nine hours of work a day, has now been raised to 10 hours per day. Under Section 55, there used to be one hour rest for five hours (work), now that has been changed to six hours,” Parthasarathy explained, adding “The government has decided to amend these sections as part of its Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) policy. The relaxation of rules will help attract more investments.”
“Because of this (amendments to labour laws), investors in factories will (come to our state). These labour rules will be favourable for labourers, and they will come to invest more. Globalisation is happening in every state. These amendments were brought to implement global rules,” Parthasarathy elaborated.
Prior to the new amendments, women were not allowed to work in nighttime shifts. This has changed, with Parthasarathy adding that women can now work at night with safeguards like consent, transport facilities, security, and surveillance in place. The minister emphasized the workplaces for women need to be completely illuminated at night.
“When you work extra, income will increase. By these rules, women can work in the formal sector. They empower women economically and promote gender inclusion and industrial growth. Also contribute to women’s empowerment,” Parthasarathy added.
The amendments have been met with a wave of protest from the opposition as well as unions. CPI State Secretary K Ramakrishna accused the NDA-led state and central government of pushing “anti-worker” policies. Trade unions have chosen July 9, 2025, to protest across the country against the new amendments.