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The Andhra Pradesh government has raised the maximum working hours from nine to ten per day.
The move has triggered backlash on social media, with many saying the move will benefit only the corporates. (Photo credits: X)
The Andhra Pradesh government, now under the TDP-led NDA alliance, has announced a controversial change in labour regulations, raising the daily work-hour limit from nine to ten hours. The policy now allows private companies and factories to extend employee workdays by an additional hour. The move has triggered widespread criticism and backlash on social media, with many questioning the impact on worker welfare and demanding a rollback of the decision.
According to a PTI report, Andhra Pradesh’s Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister K Parthasarathy said the government decided to amend labour laws to make them more ‘favourable’ for both workers and investors.
However, people on social media expressed confusion and frustration, questioning how longer workdays could benefit them. The decision has also led to strong criticism from trade unions, who argue the policy prioritised corporate interests over employee well-being.
On social media, the response to Andhra Pradesh’s decision to increase working hours has been overwhelmingly negative. Many users pointed out that the move seems to benefit business owners while burdening employees.
There were concerns that private companies might soon enforce the 10-hour schedule as a mandatory norm, severely impacting work-life balance.
“Good for financial growth. What about mental health? 10 hrs work, 2 hrs travelling, 8 hrs sleep — you have to do everything else in the remaining 4 hours,” a user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user criticised the rationale behind the policy: “So the Andhra Pradesh govt thinks longer hours = better productivity? No, it means exploitation. More hours, same pay, worse lives. Workers deserve dignity, not burnout.”
The sentiment was echoed widely, with many highlighting the toll on family life and mental well-being.
“Nine hours was already a stretch, and now they’ve added one more. Overworking employees has long-term consequences — people will have no time for family. AP’s fertility rate is already declining, and this discourages people from having or raising children,” another user warned.
Others on social media pointed out that working hours in many parts of India already exceed the global average of eight hours per day, and increasing them further only worsens the situation.
“The government is hand in glove with corrupt corporations that want to exploit cheap labour,” a user alleged, echoing a common sentiment that the new policy serves the interests of big businesses rather than workers.
Many also questioned whether the extended workday would be accompanied by a proportional increase in wages. Dozens of users expressed scepticism, suggesting that employees would end up working longer hours for the same pay, effectively reducing their hourly earnings and adding to workplace exploitation.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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Delhi, India, India
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