September 4, 2025

The Maharashtra government’s cabinet on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, shook things up by approving a change to increase daily working hours for private sector employees from 9 to 10 hours. This exciting change, announced during the meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is designed to attract fresh investments, create more jobs, and keep workers’ rights safe. This move brings Maharashtra in line with other big states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura, which already follow similar laws. The laws being changed are the Factories Act, 1948, and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017. Here’s the masala! Industries will now be allowed to work up to 12 hours daily during busy times or when there’s a labour shortage. But don’t worry — workers will get the right overtime pay. In fact, the limits for overtime have increased a lot: legal overtime can jump from 115 to 144 hours in a quarter, but workers must give written permission first. The weekly work time can stretch from 10.5 hours to 12 hours. For shops and establishments with 20 or more workers, daily working hours will rise from 9 to 10. Overtime limits will go from 125 to 144 hours, and emergency duties can last up to 12 hours. Smaller places with less than 20 workers won’t need registration certificates anymore; just a quick notice to officials will do. Why all this excitement? According to the government’s official statement, these changes will make doing business in Maharashtra easier and attract new investments. Jobs will grow, and workers will enjoy better protections, including double pay for overtime. The labour department pushed this proposal last week, saying it will create a better working environment for everyone, especially women. They also believe this move solves many long-standing issues for both employees and employers. So, Maharashtra is gearing up to work smarter and longer, blending business growth with fair worker benefits. It’s a win-win with a colorful twist!

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: Maharashtra, Working hours, Factories act, Labour reforms, Overtime pay, Private sector,