Karnataka is voicing strong opposition to the Central government's proposal to increase the daily working hours from nine to ten, a move that has sparked considerable debate across the nation. The state government has decided to reject the proposal on the grounds that labor is on the Concurrent List, and the state is competent and possesses policy elbowroom. Karnataka already has overtime provisions in addition to the existing schedule of nine hours a day and 48 hours a week.
Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has publicly stated his reservations about the proposal, emphasizing that it "doesn't look good" in its current form. He clarified that the suggestion originated from the central government and assured that a final decision would only be taken after thorough consultations with all stakeholders, including labor unions and industry representatives. Lad has also stated that the primary objective of the proposal is to provide flexibility for both employees and employers. He explained that the 10-hour workday would include a one-hour break, effectively maintaining the active working time at nine hours per day. This arrangement, according to Lad, would allow employees to complete their 48-hour weekly work requirement in fewer days, offering them more flexibility.
However, the proposal has faced stiff opposition from various quarters. Trade unions have criticized the move, arguing that it could lead to "modern-day slavery" and negatively impact the work-life balance of employees. Concerns have also been raised about potential job losses, as companies might opt for a two-shift system instead of the existing three-shift system, potentially displacing a significant portion of the workforce. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has been particularly vocal in its opposition, with representatives labeling the proposal as "inhuman" and accusing the government of prioritizing corporate profits over worker well-being.
The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, seeks to increase the daily work limit to 10 hours while maintaining the weekly cap at 48 hours. It also suggests allowing work shifts of up to 12 hours per day, including overtime, and raising the quarterly overtime limit from 50 to 144 hours. While the state government has maintained that the weekly limit will remain unchanged, unions have expressed concerns about employee wellbeing, fatigue, and the erosion of work-life balance.
Despite the opposition, some industry representatives have welcomed the proposed changes, arguing that increased flexibility would help businesses recover and compete globally. They believe that the amendment would streamline procedures related to record maintenance and certifications, particularly for small and medium-sized establishments, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business.
The debate surrounding the 10-hour workday proposal highlights the complexities of labor reforms and the need to balance the interests of employers and employees. As Karnataka deliberates on the matter, its decision is likely to have implications for similar reforms across India, influencing the ongoing national conversation on labor laws and working conditions. The state government has emphasized its commitment to the welfare of its workforce and has assured that any final decision will be made after careful consideration of all perspectives.
It is important to note that the Karnataka government is also working on other labor law reforms, including the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025, which aims to provide social protection to gig workers in the state. These reforms reflect the evolving nature of work and the need for labor laws to adapt to the changing economic landscape.
