Amidst the ongoing debate regarding work hours across the country, the Telangana government has made a significant decision. The state government has approved a proposal for commercial units to work 10 hours a day and a 48-hour weekly work schedule. Under this decision, employees in commercial units in the state will now be able to work 10 hours a day for six days a week instead of 8 hours.
In the midst of the ongoing debate regarding working hours in the country, the Telangana government has made a major and important decision. On July 5th, the state government issued an official order stating that commercial units in the state can now work up to 10 hours a day, but the total working hours in a week should not exceed 48. This new rule has been implemented under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988.
Rules not applicable to shops and malls
The scope of this government order will be limited to only those commercial establishments that come under industries, factories, and other business establishments. Shops, malls, and retail stores have been excluded from this rule. The old rule will continue to apply to them for now.
Employees will benefit from overtime
The government has clarified that if any employee works more than the stipulated 10 hours, they will be paid overtime wages. However, a maximum limit for overtime has also been set. The duration of work, including overtime, cannot exceed 12 hours on any given day. Similarly, an employee can be made to work a maximum of 144 hours of overtime in any quarter.
Break is necessary after more than six hours of work daily
Under this new rule, if the work duration exceeds six hours, the company will be required to give the employee a break of at least 30 minutes. This break must be given in the middle of the workday, and this rule will apply to all units. In addition, companies will also have to ensure that the health and rest of the employees are taken care of, even after overtime is done.
New rule to be implemented from July 8th
This new law of the Telangana government will come into effect from July 8th after its publication in the Telangana Gazette. This means that from July 8th, all relevant units in the state will have to follow this rule.
Action will be taken if rules are violated
The government has also made it clear that all business exemptions granted to companies that do not comply with these new rules will be revoked. In addition, the labor department can also take legal action against them as per the rules.
New initiative in changing times
The Telangana government has taken this decision at a time when the debate over work-life balance is intensifying across the country. This issue has gained further momentum after some corporate heads advocated for more hours of work per week.
Discussion on work week has been going on since last year
It is noteworthy that when Infosys founder N. R. Narayana Murthy spoke of working 70 hours a week last year, it sparked a lot of debate. Some time later, L&T Chairman S. N. Subrahmanyan talked about a 90-hour work week, which drew sharp reactions from social media and the working class.
The labor department will keep an eye on companies
The state's labor department will monitor the compliance of the new rules. If a complaint of violation of the rules is received against any company, prompt action will be taken against it.
Impact on both employees and companies
This new rule will facilitate companies to work for more hours, while employees will get the benefit of overtime wages if they work beyond the prescribed limit. Also, the provision of daily breaks will provide relief to the employees.
Important changes for the state
In a state like Telangana, which is rapidly industrializing, this decision will give a new direction to the working environment. Now it remains to be seen how this increases business and employment opportunities in the state and what changes occur in the functioning of the companies.
