Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has revealed that the controversial proposal to extend daily working hours to 14 hours originated from industry bodies, not the State Government. This clarification comes as the Siddaramaiah-led Government faces pushback from Opposition parties and labour unions.
“The proposal to extend working hours does not come from the government but from industry stakeholders,” Lad said in a statement to reporters in Bengaluru. “Since the pressure is from the industry, the bill has reached us. We are still assessing it from the Labour department. I urge all industry leaders to discuss this matter as it is now an open demand.”
The proposal is set to be introduced through the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendments) Bill, 2024. It aims to allow extended working hours in certain sectors under specific conditions. Currently, employees work four hours, take a one-hour break, and then work another four hours. The new proposal suggests extending this to five hours of work, one hour of rest, and another five hours of work, totalling 14 hours including overtime.
A minister, who wished to remain anonymous explained, “The proposal has been made with consent and is not applicable to all companies. Companies will need to apply for this change, and permission will be granted only if deemed appropriate.”
To protect workers’ rights, the proposed amendments include a cap on overtime at 125 hours over three months, ensuring that employees will not exceed an additional two hours per day.
The cabinet is expected to discuss the proposal along with other issues such as reservations for local candidates. However, it is unlikely to be tabled in the current session of the State legislature, according to sources familiar with the matter.
