Karnataka government clarified that the proposed 10-hour workday includes a one-hour break and won’t breach the 48-hour weekly limit. The amendment aims to offer flexibility without increasing the total working hours or compromising worker rights.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government clarified that the proposed amendment regarding working hours will not change the 48-hour weekly limit. The suggested 10-hour workday includes a one-hour break, focusing on flexibility, while the maximum limit of 12 hours encompasses overtime.
The government said in its clarification,
“We want to state unequivocally that the proposal does not, in any way, alter the maximum weekly working hours, which remain capped at 48 hours,”
This aligns fully with the standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and domestic laws, ensuring compliance with international conventions.
Currently, the law allows for nine working hours per day, but the proposal aims to extend this to a maximum of 10 hours, which includes a one-hour rest period. This means that the effective working time would still be nine hours per day. The proposed limit of 12 hours daily includes overtime.
The primary aim of this initiative is to offer flexibility to both employees and employers. According to the state government, this modification would legally permit employees to fulfill their 48-hour weekly requirement in fewer days, allowing for more flexible working hours.
It said,
“The Government of Karnataka is committed to the welfare of its entire workforce. This proposal is currently in the consultation stage, and we are in active dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that any final decision is holistic, balanced, and beneficial for all,”
The Department of Labour, On June 18, 2025, conducted a tripartite meeting with recognized trade unions and industry representatives to discuss the proposed amendments to Section 7 of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.
The proposed changes have faced criticism, with the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) urging resistance from all sectors in the state. KITU has described the proposals as “modern-day slavery.”
Earlier, the Karnataka government introduced important reforms to its labour laws that extended the maximum workday to 10 hours and raised the cap on overtime, prompting concerns among worker unions and policy experts.
As per the draft proposals, the state intends to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act of 1961 and its accompanying Rules from 1963.
Currently, the law limits daily work hours to nine and caps overtime at 10 hours.
However, the proposed changes would increase the daily work limit to 10 hours, allowing for up to 12 hours of overtime per day. Notably, the overtime limit over three months could rise from 50 to 144 hours.
The Labour Department has defended these changes by referencing central government directives that encourage states to align with national model labour codes.
Officials pointed out that several states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, have already adopted similar measures, setting a precedent for Karnataka.
In addition to modifying work hours, the state is also considering easing regulatory requirements for smaller businesses. Proposed amendments to Rule 24 of the 1963 Rules would exempt establishments with fewer than 10 employees from maintaining certain records and compliance documentation typically required during labour inspections.
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This exemption is also aligned with central guidance recommending that units with fewer than 20 employees be exempt.
Industry groups have expressed support for the proposals. MG Balakrishna, president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI), praised the reforms as business-friendly and indicative of a younger, more dynamic workforce.
The Labour Department is set to conduct consultations with stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and union representatives, on Wednesday to discuss the proposed changes and potentially finalize the draft.
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