Andhra Pradesh Government’s Big Move: 10-Hour Shifts for Private Sector Employees, Night Shift Approval for Women

In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting economic growth and foreign investment, the Andhra Pradesh government has mandated a 10-hour workday for private sector employees, replacing the existing 9-hour shift. This decision, announced under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has stirred mixed reactions across the state.

As part of its broader strategy to make Andhra Pradesh economically competitive, the government has introduced extended work hours and made notable changes to labor regulations. The state now requires private sector employees to work 10 hours daily, an increase from the previous 9-hour schedule. Additionally, changes have been made to rest periods: earlier, employees were entitled to a one-hour break after five hours of continuous work. Under the new rules, this break will now come after six hours of work, effectively increasing continuous working time.

In another major change, the overtime limit has been raised significantly—from 75 hours to 144 hours. Furthermore, women employees are now permitted to work night shifts, a move implemented under Section 54 of the relevant labor law, according to Information and Public Relations Minister K. Parthasarathy.

While the government claims these steps are necessary to attract foreign investment and enhance productivity, the decision has sparked strong opposition. Labor unions and opposition parties have voiced serious concerns about the increased workload, citing risks of mental and physical exhaustion among employees.

The opposition has criticized the government for implementing the changes without sufficient consultation with stakeholders, arguing that longer work hours could negatively impact employee well-being and work-life balance.

Despite the backlash, the Andhra Pradesh government maintains that these reforms are essential for the state's economic competitiveness and future development. Whether the move will result in increased investments or further unrest among workers remains to be seen.