Mumbai: In a significant move aimed at promoting investment and enhancing employment opportunities, the Maharashtra state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved key amendments to the Factories Act, 1948, and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017.
Under the new provisions of the Factories Act, daily working hours have been increased from 9 to 12 hours (Section 65), while the mandatory rest period has been extended from 30 minutes after 5 hours of work to 6 hours (Section 55). The weekly work limit has also been raised from 10.5 hours to 12 hours (Section 56). These reforms aim to ensure operational continuity during periods of high demand or worker shortages, while allowing employees to earn legal additional income with guaranteed wage protection.
The Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, which applies to workplaces employing 20 or more workers, has also been revised. Daily working hours will now be 10 hours, with the maximum tenure for urgent work extended to 12 hours. Overtime limits have been raised from 125 to 144 hours. Establishments with fewer than 20 employees are exempt from mandatory registration certificates but must inform authorities before commencing operations.
Officials stated that the amendments are designed to make Maharashtra a more attractive destination for business while balancing worker rights, providing flexibility for industries, and promoting economic growth across the state.
