Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act — Working Hours and Coverage Changes
State Cabinet clears rise in working hours in shops and factories (news-based update)
Important: This article is based on news reports. Official Government notification is awaited and will be effective only after passage by State Legislature (“Shops” Act), Presidential assent (“Factories” Act), and/or Governor’s assent in the Maharashtra Gazette.
Current Law — Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017
The Act applies to establishments employing 10 or more workers. For fewer than 10 workers, employers must file an online intimation with details such as:
Employer and manager names
Name and nature of business
Number of workers
Other prescribed details
Proposed Amendments (Cabinet-Cleared)
Applicability threshold raised from 10+ to 20+ workers.
Laws like the Minimum Wages Act and Maternity Benefit Act will still apply to smaller establishments.
Working Hours, Rest Period and Overtime
Shops and Establishments: 9 → 10 hours/day
Factories: 9 → 12 hours/day
Rest interval: 30 minutes every 6 hours (previously 5 hours)
Total spread (with overtime): 10.5 → 12 hours
Overtime: Additional hours will be paid at 2× basic wage + allowances.
Impact on Establishments
The Act currently covers about 85 lakh establishments. With the amendment, this will reduce to around 56,000.
Stakeholder Response
The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association welcomed the move, noting it will reduce registration burdens and paperwork for small shops.
Role of Karma Global
Karma Management Global Consulting Solutions, Mumbai is a leading provider of Shops and Establishments compliance solutions across India.
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