The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments to the Factories Act, 1948, extending daily working hours from 9 to 12. The government said the move aims to boost industrial flexibility while ensuring workers receive higher financial benefits.
Labour Advocate Minister Akash Fundkar said the changes would “enhance transparency and ensure better compensation for workers, aligning with industry needs.”
The amendments include key changes to multiple sections. Section 54 extends daily work hours to 12. Section 55 mandates 30-minute rest breaks after 5 and 6 hours. Section 56 raises the weekly work limit from 48 to 60 hours, while Section 65 increases the overtime cap from 115 to 144 hours. Factories must seek government approval to implement these changes, and the 48-hour weekly limit remains intact.
State Labour Secretary I Kundan said the new rules will apply not only to factories but also to shops and private sectors such as IT and hotels. The total weekly hours, including overtime, are capped at 60, with worker consent required for overtime. The amendments now await presidential approval and legislative passage.
However, labour unions strongly opposed the move. Ajit Abhyankar, labour leader of the Communist Party of India, called the amendments exploitative. He argued that the 12-hour shift rule “eliminates overtime pay for three days, cutting workers’ income.” He further warned that employers might misuse the flexibility, either by increasing workloads or shifting to cost-effective night operations, which could affect workers’ well-being.