Working Hours Increased! Andhra Pradesh Government Extends Daily Duty Shift From Nine to Ten Hours

Working Hours Increased: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced its decision to increase the maximum number of working hours per day from nine to ten. This move is being taken as part of its broader strategy to improve the ease of doing business in the state and to attract more investments, especially in the industrial sector.

State's Minister for Information and Public Relations (I&PR), K Parthasarathy, stated that the government has decided to amend the existing labour laws in order to make them more favourable not just for investors, but also for workers. According to him, these changes are aimed at creating a balanced framework that encourages industrial growth while ensuring that worker interests are protected.

Andhra Pradesh Govt Hikes Daily Working Hours From Nine Hours To Ten Hours

"Section 54 which allows maximum nine hours of work a day has now been raised to 10 hours per day. Under Section 55 there used to be one hour rest for five hours (work) now that has been changed to six hours," said Minister Parthasarathy.

Explaining the recent changes to labour regulations, Minister Parthasarathy said that Section 54 of the existing labour laws, which previously allowed a maximum of nine working hours per day, has now been revised to permit up to ten hours. Additionally, Section 55, which mandated a one-hour break after every five hours of continuous work, has also been amended. Under the new rules, workers will now receive a break after six hours instead of five.

Parthasarathy further noted that the government has extended the limit on overtime hours. Previously, employees were permitted to work up to 75 hours of overtime in a quarter. That limit has now been raised to 144 hours per quarter, allowing for greater flexibility in workforce management and production scheduling.

The minister justified these amendments by stating that such reforms will attract more investors to set up factories and industries in Andhra Pradesh. According to him, these new labour rules are beneficial to both the labour force and the investors. He emphasised that as globalisation is taking place across various states, Andhra Pradesh must also adapt to global standards. He added that the modifications are in line with international labour practices and are essential for boosting the state's economic competitiveness.

In addition to changes in daily and overtime work hours, the cabinet has also decided to relax restrictions on night shifts for women. This step, according to the minister, is aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors that operate 24/7.

Previously, women were not permitted to work during night shifts. Now, under the amended law, women will be allowed to work at night, provided certain conditions are met. These include obtaining the woman's consent, providing secure transportation, ensuring safety measures, and installing surveillance systems. These conditions are intended to safeguard the dignity and safety of women workers.

Parthasarathy stressed that workplaces employing women during night shifts must be properly illuminated at all times. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure a safe working environment during late hours.

He further explained that working extra hours would naturally lead to an increase in income for workers. In his view, the new provisions allow more women to enter the formal sector, which contributes to their economic empowerment. He asserted that this move not only promotes gender inclusion and boosts industrial growth, but also plays a significant role in advancing women's rights and empowerment.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from the Communist Party of India (CPI). State Secretary of CPI, K Ramakrishna, criticised the move, accusing the NDA governments at both the Centre and the state level of implementing policies that are against the interests of workers. He said such steps reflect a consistent trend of anti-worker policies pursued by the ruling alliance.