In Odisha, women will now have to work 10 hours, and women will have the option of night shifts.
In Odisha, women will now have to work 10 hours, and women will have the option of night shifts.
The Odisha government has increased the daily working hours in all commercial establishments and factories to 10 hours and allowed women to work night shifts.
The working environment in the country is about to undergo a major change. The Odisha state government has decided to increase the maximum daily working hours in all commercial establishments and factories from 9 hours to 10 hours. Women will also be allowed to work night shifts, and overtime pay for workers will be increased. This change is perhaps the first time any state has implemented this change.
A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved several important amendments to factories and commercial establishments. These amendments aim to increase productivity, ease of doing business, and stimulate economic activity. The Chief Minister stated that the daily maximum working hours will now be 10 hours, but the total working hours per week will not exceed 48 hours. These rules will apply to all industries, factories, shops, and commercial establishments.
New Opportunities for Women
Following the amendment to the Factories Act, women will be allowed to work night shifts from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, this will only be possible with their written consent. Furthermore, women's safety and other conditions set by the state government will be taken into account.
The state government may, through notification, increase the total working time to 6 hours without a break. If the shift is up to 12 hours, a break will be mandatory. Thus, the total working time, including breaks, will not exceed 13 hours. The total working time, including overtime, will not exceed 60 hours per week.
Increase in Overtime Pay
Employees working overtime will now be paid double their normal wages. Furthermore, the overtime limit has been increased from 115 hours to 144 hours per quarter in a financial year.
Facilities for Shops and Commercial Establishments
These amendments will apply to all shops and commercial establishments employing 20 or more employees. Business establishments will now have the option to remain open 24/7 and 365 days a year.
What will be the benefit?
The Chief Minister stated that these reforms will reduce legal burdens on small businesses and encourage entrepreneurs. They will also help increase employees' incomes, as they will now have the opportunity to work more overtime.
