The Maharashtra government is reviewing a proposal that could bring major changes to the work routine of private sector employees. Labour Minister Akash Fundkar stated that the state is considering increasing the maximum daily working hours from nine to ten. The labour department recently presented this proposal during a cabinet meeting in Mumbai, and it is currently under careful evaluation before any final decision is taken as reported by PTI. If implemented, this change could affect employee schedules, overtime regulations, and workplace flexibility across private businesses in the state. Officials emphasise that the discussions are at a preliminary stage, aiming to balance business needs with employee welfare while aligning Maharashtra’s labour laws with contemporary standards.
Maharashtra labour law working hours set for change: Key updates under review
The suggested amendments would require modifications to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This legislation currently governs working hours, employee conditions, and workplace regulations for shops, hotels, entertainment centres, and various private businesses across the state.
The government believes these updates could better align state labour regulations with international standards, while also introducing more flexibility in work arrangements.
Key amendments under consideration
One of the primary proposals involves extending the maximum daily work hours from nine to ten. Authorities argue this could provide greater operational flexibility for businesses while ensuring compliance with overtime regulations.
The government is also examining an increase in the permissible overtime hours. Currently, employees can work up to 125 overtime hours within a three-month period. The new proposal suggests raising this limit to 144 hours, allowing for more adaptability during peak business periods.
To prevent employee fatigue and workplace stress, the proposal emphasizes introducing mandatory breaks during continuous working hours. Labour experts highlight that regulated breaks are critical for health, productivity, and employee well-being.
Another significant consideration is allowing women employees to work during late hours, once the new labour codes are finalised. Officials argue that this change could help expand employment opportunities and promote gender inclusivity in the workforce.
Maharashtra Private Sector Labour reforms: Balancing employee welfare and business needs
Currently, businesses with up to 10 employees fall outside the purview of the act. The proposal seeks to extend coverage to units with up to 20 employees, ensuring more workers benefit from regulated work conditions and protections.
Minister Fundkar explained that the discussions are at a preliminary stage. In many private organisations, employees reportedly work beyond the legally prescribed hours without proper compensation. This reality has prompted the state to review labour laws and consider modernising workplace regulations.
The minister emphasised that no final decision has been made yet and that further deliberations are ongoing to balance employee welfare with business operational needs.
Potential implications for private sector employees
If approved, these amendments could bring significant changes to daily work routines, overtime policies, and employee rights in Maharashtra. While businesses may gain flexibility in scheduling, employees could benefit from better protections, regulated breaks, and expanded opportunities, including for women working late shifts.
Maharashtra labour law working hours set for change: Key updates under review
The suggested amendments would require modifications to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This legislation currently governs working hours, employee conditions, and workplace regulations for shops, hotels, entertainment centres, and various private businesses across the state.
The government believes these updates could better align state labour regulations with international standards, while also introducing more flexibility in work arrangements.
Key amendments under consideration
- Increasing maximum daily work hours
One of the primary proposals involves extending the maximum daily work hours from nine to ten. Authorities argue this could provide greater operational flexibility for businesses while ensuring compliance with overtime regulations.
- Revision of overtime limits
The government is also examining an increase in the permissible overtime hours. Currently, employees can work up to 125 overtime hours within a three-month period. The new proposal suggests raising this limit to 144 hours, allowing for more adaptability during peak business periods.
- Mandatory breaks for continuous work
To prevent employee fatigue and workplace stress, the proposal emphasizes introducing mandatory breaks during continuous working hours. Labour experts highlight that regulated breaks are critical for health, productivity, and employee well-being.
- Expanding women’s work opportunities
Another significant consideration is allowing women employees to work during late hours, once the new labour codes are finalised. Officials argue that this change could help expand employment opportunities and promote gender inclusivity in the workforce.
Maharashtra Private Sector Labour reforms: Balancing employee welfare and business needs
Currently, businesses with up to 10 employees fall outside the purview of the act. The proposal seeks to extend coverage to units with up to 20 employees, ensuring more workers benefit from regulated work conditions and protections.
Minister Fundkar explained that the discussions are at a preliminary stage. In many private organisations, employees reportedly work beyond the legally prescribed hours without proper compensation. This reality has prompted the state to review labour laws and consider modernising workplace regulations.
The minister emphasised that no final decision has been made yet and that further deliberations are ongoing to balance employee welfare with business operational needs.
Potential implications for private sector employees
If approved, these amendments could bring significant changes to daily work routines, overtime policies, and employee rights in Maharashtra. While businesses may gain flexibility in scheduling, employees could benefit from better protections, regulated breaks, and expanded opportunities, including for women working late shifts.
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