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Telangana Permits 10‑Hour Workdays for Commercial Units
The Telangana government has enacted a notable labour reform under its Ease of Doing Business push, allowing daily working hours in commercial establishments to increase from eight to ten hours. This adjustment extends to non-shop commercial units and includes robust measures to protect workers.
Extended Work Hours
The new order, effective July 8, permits employees to work up to 10 hours per day, provided weekly working time does not exceed 48 hours. Any hours worked beyond this weekly limit qualify for overtime, with a cap of 144 overtime hours per quarter.
Breaks and Daily Cap
To ensure employee welfare, the regulations mandate:
- A 30-minute break after six hours of work.
- A maximum daily duration of 12 hours, inclusive of breaks and work.
- Immediate revocation of exemptions if violations occur, reverting to standard labour regulations.
Business Rationale and Regional Trends
Officials state that the reform aims to offer businesses greater operational flexibility while preserving employee rights. It aligns Telangana with neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which already implement similar measures. Labour Secretary M. Dana Kishore emphasized that writing languages:
“Employees can choose to work 10 hours,”
underscoring the optional nature and mutual agreement involved.
Support and Concerns
Supporters argue that the reform enhances productivity and helps businesses better manage peak demand. However, some labour groups caution that extended hours could lead to exploitation without strict oversight, particularly concerning break enforcement and overtime compliance.
