The TDP-led NDA administration in Andhra Pradesh has opted to increase the maximum working hours from nine to 10 each day as part of its strategy to enhance business conditions and attract investors.
The Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister, K Parthasarathy, stated that labor laws will be revised to be more ‘favorable’ for both workers and investors. CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna condemned this initiative, arguing that the NDA governments at both the Center and state level are enacting ‘anti-worker’ policies.
“The relevant sections of the laws permitting a maximum of nine hours of work daily have now been increased to 10 hours. Previously, Section 55 mandated a one-hour rest after five hours of work; this has now been altered to six hours,” explained Parthasarathy recently, detailing the cabinet’s decisions regarding labor law amendments.
Previously, Parthasarathy mentioned that overtime was limited to 75 hours, but this limit has now been extended to 144 hours per quarter. “With these amendments to labor laws, we expect that investors will be drawn to our state. These regulations will benefit workers and encourage more investment. Globalization is taking place in every state. These changes were made to align with global standards,” said Parthasarathy.
Additionally, the minister noted that the cabinet has eased night shift regulations to allow more women to participate in night work.
The I&PR Minister indicated that women were previously prohibited from working night shifts, but can now do so under conditions such as consent, transportation, security, and surveillance. He emphasized that workplaces for women during night hours must be adequately lit.
“Extra working hours will lead to increased income. Women can now engage in the formal sector, contributing to their economic empowerment and promoting gender inclusion along with industrial development,” he added.
In contrast, K Ramakrishna, State Secretary of CPI, opposed the NDA coalition government’s position on the amendments to labor laws. He claimed that both the Central and state governments are acting against workers’ interests. “For the last 11 years, the Modi administration has consistently implemented measures that undermine workers’ rights in India,” Ramakrishna told PTI on Saturday.
In opposition to these regulations, he stated that trade unions will protest across India on July 9, with participation expected from various sectors.
Moreover, he asserted that the NDA governments at both the Central and state levels are pursuing ‘anti-worker policies’.
