Fri Jun 13 04:52:03 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Eases Labor Laws, Sparks Debate Over Worker Rights

**VIJAYAWADA, June 13, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet has approved significant amendments to the Factories Act of 1948 and the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act of 1988, raising concerns among labor advocates about worker rights.

Announced today by Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Kolusu Parathasarathy, the amendments aim to improve the “Ease of Doing Business” in the state and attract investors. Key changes include increasing daily working hours, extending permissible overtime limits, and allowing women to work night shifts.

While the government touts the move as a step towards gender equality and economic growth, critics argue that the changes will disproportionately impact workers. Daily working hours have been effectively increased to 10, and the limit for overtime has been raised from a maximum of 75 hours per quarter to 144 hours. This increase, already implemented in practice, may lead to greater pressure from employers to work overtime.

The decision to allow women to work night shifts, intended to promote gender equality, has also drawn criticism. While the Cabinet recommended providing security measures like CCTV cameras and lighting, it failed to address concerns regarding childcare arrangements for working mothers or whether night work would be mandatory.

The amendments, affecting Sections 54, 55, 56, 59, 64, 65, and 66 of the Factories Act and Sections 9, 10, 16, 17, and 73 of the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, have sparked debate over the balance between economic development and worker welfare. Labor groups are expressing concern that the changes prioritize investors over the well-being of the workforce.

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