The Karnataka government has come up with a proposal to amend its labour laws by increasing maximum working hours in shops and commercial establishments and IT/ITeS/BPO sectors. As per the proposed changes, employees will have to work up to 10 hours a day, with an overtime which is capped at 144 hours per quarter. Reports suggest that small firms would be exempt from these revisions.
At present, the law permits a workday of up to 9 hours, plus a 1‑hour overtime with allowance. However, the proposed amendment would formalise a 10‑hour daily limit and expand permissible overtime from 50 hours per three months to 144 hours.
The idea behind the proposal is to boost flexibility for employers, especially in sectors with shifting work demands But, this has invited criticism.
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Proponents are of the view that the amendment brings adaptability for businesses. However, labour unions warn of further erosion of work-life balance.
The Karnataka government has cited the Centre's directive to all states to consider amending the working hour limits through legislative or regulatory changes appropriately. Similar amendments had already been brought in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh also proposed a 10-hour work policy. In August 2024, the Karnataka government shelved 14‑hour workday proposal after a series of protests.
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Small businesses would remain unaffected by the new rules. The government has termed these as “labour reforms” designed to align Karnataka with the dynamic needs of the industry. These amendments await discussion in the Karnataka assembly. For now, this potential shift to a 10‑hour workday is receiving flak from several quarters.
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