Government of Telangana has officially permitted 10-hour workdays for employees in commercial establishments, excluding shops.
The decision, announced by the Labour Department and set to take effect from July 8, is part of a broader effort to align state labour regulations with evolving business needs while embedding safeguards to protect worker welfare.
The reform modifies existing provisions under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, allowing businesses greater flexibility in scheduling work hours, especially in sectors such as hospitality, IT, ITeS, and retail.
Key Provisions of the New Workday Structure in Telangana
The revised policy outlines several critical parameters:
- Daily Work Limit: Employees may work up to 10 hours per day, up from the previous 8-hour limit
- Weekly Cap: Total working hours must not exceed 48 hours per week
- Overtime Compensation: Any work beyond 48 hours weekly must be compensated with mandatory overtime pay
- Daily Maximum: Including overtime, no employee can work more than 12 hours in a single day
- Quarterly Overtime Cap: Overtime is capped at 144 hours per quarter
- Rest Breaks: Employees working more than six hours in a day are entitled to a 30-minute rest break
Employers failing to comply with these conditions risk losing their exemption status without prior notice, according to the official order issued by M Dana Kishore, Principal Secretary of the Labour Department.
Strategic Intent and National Alignment
The Telangana government’s decision reflects a broader trend in labour reforms across Indian states.
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have also recently extended daily work hours for factory and commercial workers.
The move aligns with the Centre’s directive to promote labour flexibility as part of its national ease of doing business agenda.
Officials have indicated that the state may consider extending similar provisions to factory workers in the near future.
This decision will depend on further review and input from relevant stakeholders.
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