Andhra Pradesh Cabinet amends labour laws; approves 10-hour workday for labourers
It also approved amendments to Sections 9, 10, 16, 17, and 73 of the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act (1988).
Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Kolusu Parathasarathy said these amendments were being made to be more favourable to investors as part of the Ease of Doing Business reforms.
He also said the decision to allow women to work in night shifts was part of removing gender discrimination in the industrial sector and promoting empowerment.
The working hours for labourers were increased, he said. While the practical workday had already shifted from eight hours to nine, the Cabinet decision increased it further to 10 hours.
Currently, workers are entitled to a 30-minute break after every five hours of work. Under the new rule, they will have to work six hours to earn a break. Previously, workers were allowed to work 50 to 75 hours of overtime per quarter. Now that limit has been extended to 144 hours. In reality, overtime is supposed to be voluntary extra work. But in practice, it has long become a compulsory burden dictated by employers. With the new decision, the pressure of overtime on workers will only increase.
The State government has also made night shifts mandatory for women. The Cabinet recommended that corporations provide facilities such as CCTV cameras, lighting, and security to enable women to work at night. However, no mention was made regarding arrangements for women with children. The Cabinet also failed to clarify whether night work would be compulsory or voluntary for women.
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