The Maharashtra government is exploring a proposal to raise the maximum daily working hours for private employees from nine to 10 hours, Labour Minister Akash Fundkar said on Wednesday. The suggested change aims to make workplaces more flexible and bring the state’s labour rules closer to international standards.

The proposal, presented to the state cabinet in Mumbai, involves updating the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, which regulates working hours in shops, hotels, entertainment venues, and other private businesses.

Expanding coverage and allowing late work for women

Under the current rules, shops with 10 or fewer employees are not governed by the ministry’s regulations. The new plan proposes increasing this limit to 20 staff, Fundkar said. He also mentioned that once the labour codes are finalised, women will be allowed to work during late hours in a regulated manner.

Fundkar stressed: “No final decision has been taken on any of the issues yet. All the proposals are under consideration.” He noted that many employees already work beyond the prescribed hours without receiving extra pay, which is one reason for reviewing the limits.

Officials said the labour department has suggested five key changes, including:

  • Raising permissible overtime from 125 to 144 hours over three months

  • Adjusting rules on continuous working hours and mandatory breaks

The department believes these changes could create a safer and more efficient workplace, especially for women, while addressing concerns of both workers and employers.

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