Tue Sep 23 18:50:28 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided information:

**Andhra Pradesh Labourers Face Extended Workdays as CPI(M) Condemns Government Decision**

**Vijayawada, September 24, 2025** – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has strongly denounced the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to increase working hours for labourers from eight to thirteen hours. The party is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly and Council.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivas Rao criticized the government for neglecting to revise minimum wages for the past thirteen years, urging them to be updated in line with current living costs. Rao asserted that the current administration is prioritizing investor interests at the expense of workers’ rights. He highlighted the State Cabinet’s approval on June 4th, to extend working hours.

“We condemn the move to increase overtime, extended night shifts for women, and inadequate facilities and protection for female workers as these measures will benefit employers only,” Rao stated.

The CPI(M) also criticized the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for their perceived ineffective opposition to the legislation. While YSRCP members boycotted the Council, they did not actively vote against the increase in working hours. Rao noted that only PDF MLC B. Gopimurthy stood in opposition to the measure. The CPI(M) vows to continue advocating for the rights of labourers in Andhra Pradesh.

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