Amaravati: In a significant policy shift, the Andhra Pradesh government has amended its labour regulations, increasing the maximum daily work hours from 9 to 10. The move, aimed at enhancing industrial productivity and attracting investors, was announced by Minister for Information and Public Relations K. Parthasarathi.
Speaking on the decision, Parthasarathi said the cabinet approved reforms to make labour laws more investor- and worker-friendly. He noted that under the revised law, workers can now legally work up to 10 hours per day. Additionally, the mandatory rest break, which was previously applicable after 5 hours of work, has now been extended to 6 hours under Section 55 of the Labour Act.
ALSO READ: Top Telangana Maoist Leader Adella Bhaskar Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
The government has also increased the permissible overtime limit from 75 hours to 144 hours over a three-month period. Night shift regulations for women have been eased as well, allowing them to work at night voluntarily, provided employers ensure transportation, safety, and surveillance measures.
However, the reforms have drawn sharp criticism. CPI State Secretary K. Ramakrishna condemned the move, accusing the NDA-led central and state governments of adopting anti-labour policies. “These amendments undermine workers’ rights and are clearly aligned with the interests of industrialists,” he stated.