The recent tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old audit executive from Pune, has raised huge concerns about the excessive working hours faced by many professionals in India.

Reports allegedly indicate that her death was connected to stress stemming from excessive work pressures, underscoring a critical issue impacting millions of white-collar jobs in various industries. This incident has led to increased scrutiny of labor practices in India, especially regarding State/UT-wise working hours and regulations. Let’s explore the State/UT wise breakdown of working hours in India.

State/UT Wise Breakdown of Working Hours

Here’s a Breakdown summary of permissible working hours in major Indian states:

Andhra Pradesh

•            Daily Limit: 8 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 6 hours

Delhi

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 6 hours per week; 150 hours per year

Haryana

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 50 hours in a quarter

Karnataka

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 50 hours in a quarter

Madhya Pradesh

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours (shops), 10 hours (establishments)

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 6 hours

Maharashtra

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 125 hours in 3 months

Rajasthan

•            Daily Limit: 9 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 12 hours per day

Tamil Nadu

•            Daily Limit: 8 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 6 hours

Uttar Pradesh

•            Daily Limit: 8 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 6 hours

West Bengal

•            Daily Limit: 8.5 hours

•            Weekly Limit: 48 hours

•            Overtime Limit: 1.5 hours per day; 120 hours in a year

What is the Culture of Overwork in India?

India faces a considerable challenge with extended long working hours. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), it is one of the most overworked nations globally. The average employee works 46.7 hours each week, and more than half of the workforce puts in over 49 hours weekly. This culture of overwork affects many sectors, including IT, healthcare, journalism, and emergency services. As a result, the employee often negatively impacts their mental and physical health.

What About Labor Laws Every Worker Should Know?

Labor laws are regulations that oversee the dynamics between employers and employees, aimed at protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. India’s labor laws set specific limits on working hours, primarily governed by the Shops and Establishments Act and the Factories Act. These laws provide guidelines for daily and weekly work hour limits as well as overtime regulations.

However, the implementation of these laws differs considerably across various states and union territories (UTs), leading to discrepancies in actual working conditions. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including:

Working Hours

Labor laws set regulations on the maximum hours that employees are permitted to work each day and week. These guidelines help prevent excessive workloads and promote a healthy balance, with provisions for overtime pay to ensure fair compensation for extra hours.

Minimum Wage

Minimum wage laws protect workers by establishing the lowest hourly wage that can be paid. This helps to guarantee that workers earn a basic standard of living, reducing poverty and supporting families.

Workplace Safety

Workplace safety standards are essential for protecting employees. These laws mandate that employers take steps to reduce risks and provide safety equipment, thereby reducing accidents and promoting overall well-being.

Employee Benefits

Labor laws regulate employee benefits, including paid leave, sick leave, and parental leave along with health insurance provisions. These benefits are designed to address the personal and familial needs of employees, thereby improving job satisfaction and promoting employee retention.

Discrimination and Harassment

Laws against discrimination and harassment foster an inclusive workplace. These laws protect individuals from unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, and disability, ensuring a safe environment free from intimidation.

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining laws allow workers to establish unions and engage in negotiations for improved wages and working conditions. This process gives employees a voice, promoting equity in the workplace.

Termination and Severance

Termination and severance laws outline how employees can be dismissed and what compensation they may receive. These laws protect against unfair termination and offer support for individuals moving out of employment.

Family and Medical Leave

Family and Medical Leave laws allow employees to take necessary time off for personal or family health needs without risking their jobs. This protection is vital for managing personal responsibilities.

Employee Privacy

Employee Privacy laws protect workers’ personal information in the workplace. These laws limit surveillance and promote an environment where employees can perform their duties without excessive intrusion, thereby enhancing trust and contributing to a positive work environment.

These laws can differ significantly from one country to another and may also vary within regions or states. For example, In India, labor laws are governed by various acts including the Shop and Establishments Act, the Factories Act, and the Minimum Wages Act, each with specific provisions to protect workers across various sectors.