Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Landmark Changes: Daily Working Hours in Private Sector Extended to 10 Hours

In a significant move poised to reshape the landscape of employment in the state, the Maharashtra cabinet has given its nod to crucial amendments to existing labor laws, primarily affecting the private sector. These changes, approved earlier this week, will allow for an extension of daily working hours from the current nine to a maximum of ten hours, marking a notable shift in employment regulations.

The decision involves modifying two pivotal pieces of legislation: the Factories Act, 1948, and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.

While the daily working hours see an increase, the state government has maintained a critical safeguard: the weekly working hour limit will remain capped at 48 hours. This ensures that despite longer daily shifts, the overall work-life balance over a week is intended to stay consistent.

Under the new provisions, the maximum spread-over of working hours, which includes breaks, is also set to be extended.

This period will now span up to 12 hours, a rise from the previous 10.5 hours. Furthermore, the amendments clarify that employees can undertake up to 12 hours of overtime work per week. These adjustments are largely driven by the state's initiative to align its labor regulations with the new central labor codes, aiming for greater uniformity and ease of doing business.

Proponents of these changes argue that they will inject much-needed flexibility into various industries, particularly those in manufacturing and service sectors that often require longer operational hours or continuous shifts.

This flexibility is anticipated to not only streamline operations for businesses but also potentially stimulate economic activity and employment generation within the state.

Beyond the working hours, other significant amendments have been approved. These include a simplification of processes for industries to implement 12-hour shifts, reducing the stringent requirement for prior permission from the Director of Industrial Safety and Health.

Smaller businesses, specifically those employing fewer than 50 workers, will also benefit from simplified compliance procedures related to approvals for structural changes within their establishments.

In a progressive step, the new framework also includes provisions allowing women to work night shifts, provided that adequate safety and security measures are put in place by employers.

Additionally, the amendments propose a substantial increase in penalties for violations of labor laws, signaling a stricter enforcement regime. A State-level Labour Welfare Board is also slated for establishment, underscoring the government's intent to look after the broader welfare of its workforce.

These comprehensive amendments reflect a strategic move by the Maharashtra government to modernize its labor laws, balancing the demands of industrial growth with the fundamental rights and well-being of its workers.

The long-term impact on the state's economy and its workforce will undoubtedly be a subject of close observation as these new regulations come into effect.