Telangana allows 10-hour workdays for commercial establishments

The Government of Telangana has issued a notification dated July 5, 2025, allowing commercial establishments excluding shops to implement a 10-hour workday, while retaining the overall weekly cap of 48 working hours. This move, issued under G.O. Rt. No. 282 by the Labour, Employment, Training & Factories Department, forms part of the State’s broader Ease of Doing Business reforms under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988.

The notification grants exemption from Sections 16 and 17 of the Act and permits extended daily working hours, subject to conditions aimed at balancing operational flexibility with worker welfare. While employees may now work up to 10 hours a day, no individual can be required to work more than six hours continuously without at least a 30-minute rest break. Additionally, the total spread-over of work and rest must not exceed twelve hours in a single day. Work done beyond the 48-hour weekly limit is subject to overtime wages, with a quarterly overtime cap of 144 hours.

Importantly, the government has clarified that any violation of these conditions may result in the immediate revocation of the exemption granted to an establishment, without prior notice.