The debate over working hours shows no sign of slowing down, with states introducing new rules every month. Now, Maharashtra is considering extending the private sector workday from 9 to 10 hours. The state government is reportedly in discussions to revise the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, to increase the maximum working hours for private company employees from nine to ten hours a day.
The proposed changes aim to update key provisions of the act, which governs working hours for employees in shops, hotels, entertainment venues, and other establishments across Maharashtra. The state labour department submitted the proposal at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Although the issue was discussed, sources familiar with the proceedings told Hindustan Times (HT) that the cabinet has requested further clarification on the proposed changes.
Officials said the proposal was submitted to meet a long-standing demand within the sector. The report further notes that the labour department is considering around five key amendments to the 2017 law, with extended working hours being the most significant. Under the proposed changes to Section 12 of the Act, “No adult worker will be required or permitted to work more than 10 hours in a single day.” The proposal also allows an individual to work more than six hours at a stretch, provided a half-hour break is given. At present, the longest shift for an employee is five hours.
The department has further suggested raising the overtime limit from 125 to 144 hours over a three-month period. While the current maximum working hours per day, including overtime, is 10.5 hours, this is proposed to be increased to 12 hours. The existing cap of 12 hours per day for urgent work is recommended to be removed, effectively eliminating any maximum daily work limit. Additionally, the Act would cover establishments with 20 or more employees, instead of the current threshold of 10 or more employees.
