‘Not in Employees’ Benefit’: Karnataka Opposes Centre’s 10-Hour Workday Proposal

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 23:29 IST

The Karnataka government plans to reject the Centre's proposal to extend daily working hours from 9 to 10

(AI-generated photo: Minister Lad indicated that while the state is open to dialogue if specific industries demand such a change)

The Karnataka government is all set to reject the Centre’s proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act of 1961, which would extend the daily working hours from 9 to 10, while maintaining the weekly cap at 48 hours.

The state government asserts that the proposed change offers no discernible benefit to employees and is currently awaiting a formal decision from the Chief Minister and the Cabinet.

Karnataka’s Labour Minister, Santhosh Lad, highlighted the state’s reservations, emphasising the potential hardship for workers. “In a city like Bangalore, on average, you need 2 hours to commute, and if they spend 10 hours on the floor, it’s 12 hours in a day," Lad stated. “I don’t see this benefiting the employees." He further noted the lack of positive reception to the idea among Human Resources professionals at a recent congregation, where a poll for support yielded no raised hands.

The state’s rejection of the proposal is grounded in two key arguments—first, labour is a subject under the Concurrent List, granting Karnataka equal policy-making authority and competence; and second, Karnataka’s current labour framework already includes provisions for overtime work beyond the standard 9 hours daily and 48 hours weekly.

Minister Lad indicated that while the state is open to dialogue if specific industries demand such a change, any discussion would involve careful consideration of employee sentiment and the presence of trade unions. He affirmed his intention to discuss the matter with the Chief Minister before a final government decision.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has claimed victory, attributing the government’s current stance to their sustained agitation. KITU, the sole registered union for IT sector employees in Karnataka, stated that they have been leading extensive campaigns against the proposed amendment.

In a strong statement, KITU asserted that the amendment was “a direct attack on a worker’s fundamental right to a personal life" and vowed to prevent its implementation under any circumstances.

A formal decision on the matter is expected soon from the Chief Minister and the Cabinet.

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...Read More

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...

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