The Maharashtra government has increased the working hours for private sector employees from 9 to 10 hours. The overtime limit will be 144 hours, and double the salary will be provided for overtime. The government claims this will boost investment and create employment opportunities.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has taken a significant decision regarding the working hours for employees in the private sector. Until now, employees were required to work a maximum of 9 hours a day, but with the implementation of new rules, they will have to work up to 10 hours. The state government states that this change is not just about increasing working hours, but also aims to attract investment, create new employment opportunities, and protect workers' rights. The government believes that greater flexibility for industries will lead to increased investment, which will directly benefit people in the form of employment.
Decision Taken in Cabinet Meeting
This major change was approved in a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A proposal to amend the Factories Act, 1948, and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, was presented at the meeting, and it received the cabinet's nod. Following these amendments, the path is now clear to increase the working hours for employees in private companies and industrial establishments. The government states that this decision had been under consideration for a long time and its implementation will now make doing business easier.
Which Employees Will the New Rules Apply To
The government has clarified that the new rules will apply to companies and establishments where 20 or more employees work. However, institutions with fewer than 20 employees will no longer need to obtain a registration certificate. They will only need to inform the concerned department through an intimation process. This change will provide some relief to small businesses and entrepreneurs, while employees working in larger industries will have to put in additional hours.
New Rules for Work and Rest
Under the new provisions, employees will now have to work 10 hours a day instead of 9. As per the Factories Act, the maximum daily working limit has been set at 12 hours. Earlier, employees were given a break after working for five consecutive hours, but this period has now been extended to six hours. This means employees will receive a break only after working for six hours. This change has been made considering the demand from industries and their production capacity.
Overtime Conditions
Changes have also been made to the overtime rules for employees. Previously, the overtime limit was 115 hours per quarter, which has now been increased to 144 hours. Similarly, under the Shops and Establishments Act, the overtime limit has been raised from 125 to 144 hours. In emergency situations, employees may have to work up to 12 hours a day. However, the government has also clarified that overtime will only be permitted with the employee's written consent. Additionally, overtime pay will be doubled, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their extra effort.
Already Implemented in Other States
Maharashtra has now joined the list of states that have already amended their rules to increase working hours. These include states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana, where work hour regulations of 10 to 12 hours have already been implemented. The Maharashtra government believes that if the state is to remain ahead in investment and industry, it must make similar reforms.
When Will the New Rules Come into Effect
Following the cabinet's approval, the formal process to implement these amendments has begun. In the coming days, all private employees in Maharashtra will have to work 10 hours instead of 9. The government expects this move to prove beneficial for both the state's economy and employment.
