The Maharashtra government is examining a proposal that could change the daily work routine for private sector employees. According to Labour Minister Akash Fundkar, the state is considering extending the maximum number of daily working hours from nine to ten. The idea was recently presented by the labour department during a cabinet meeting in Mumbai and is being evaluated before any final decision is taken, the minister told PTI.
The suggested amendments would require changes to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This legislation currently defines working hours and employment conditions for shops, hotels, entertainment centres, and various private businesses across the state. The government believes the updates could align state labour regulations more closely with international practices while also bringing greater flexibility to workplaces.
Among the key changes being studied is an increase in permissible overtime from the current 125 hours to 144 hours within a three-month period. The proposal also emphasizes revisions to continuous working hour provisions, including the introduction of mandatory breaks to reduce strain on employees. Another significant change under consideration is allowing women employees to work during late hours once the new labour codes are finalised, which authorities argue will expand employment opportunities.
In addition, the state is looking to expand the scope of establishments covered under the law. Presently, businesses with up to 10 employees fall outside the ministry’s purview, but the new proposal would extend this coverage to units with up to 20 workers.
Fundkar clarified that these discussions are still at a preliminary stage. He noted that in many private organisations, employees already end up working longer than prescribed hours without appropriate compensation, which is one of the factors prompting the review. However, he stressed that no final decision has been made and that further deliberations are ongoing.
