In a major move to promote industrial flexibility and streamline operations under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the Government of Telangana has officially notified an exemption allowing all commercial establishments (excluding shops) to extend daily work hours up to 10 hours, subject to a weekly cap of 48 hours.
The notification will be published in the extraordinary issue of the Telangana Gazette dated July 8, 2025, and comes into effect from the date of publication.
🧾 Key Features of the Notification:
- Extended Daily Work Hours:
Employees may work up to 10 hours per day, provided the total weekly working hours do not exceed 48 hours. - Mandatory Rest Breaks:
No employee is to work more than six hours continuously without a minimum 30-minute break for rest. - Daily Spread Limit:
The entire work period, including rest intervals, must not exceed 12 hours in a single day. - Overtime Rules:
- Work beyond 48 hours per week must be compensated at overtime rates.
- Overtime is allowed up to a maximum of 144 hours per quarter per employee.
- Strict Compliance Required:
Any violation of these conditions will lead to immediate revocation of the exemption without prior notice from the government.
🔍 What Are Sections 16 and 17?
Sections 16 and 17 of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988 relate to daily and weekly work hours and intervals for rest, which typically restrict the number of hours an employee can work. By exempting commercial establishments (other than shops) from these sections, the government provides greater operational flexibility while still enforcing essential worker protections.
🧩 Conclusion:
The Telangana Government’s reform is a pro-business step aimed at enhancing workplace efficiency while maintaining labour safeguards. Establishments are urged to comply with the detailed conditions to retain their exemption status and avoid legal consequences.