While the Centre proposed to make amendments to the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act, the Government of Karnataka has resisted the same. The amendment would change the daily working hours from nine to 10, with the weekly limit remaining unchanged at 48 hours.
As per the provisions of the Concurrent List, Karnataka maintains that it has the authority to make labour-policy decisions and has refused to go with the Centre’ proposal. However, the state has not yet given a final answer to the Centre. The final report from the Karnataka government is yet to be reviewed by Labour Minister Santosh S Lad. Only after the review will there be a discussion with the Chief Minister after which a final decision will be taken, as per media reports.
It is pertinent to mention here that as per the existing labour laws in the state, establishments are allowed to let their employees work overtime, going beyond nine hours as long as they do not exceed the weekly limit of 48 hours.
According to various officials, the proposal to extend working hours to 10 will have significant repercussions in terms of work environment and culture, as it lacks flexibility.
The information technology (IT) and the information technology enabled services ( ITeS) sectors are, however, reportedly supporting the proposal as it gives them a chance to make long work hours legitimate.
