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The relaxation, however, excludes liquor shops, bar permit rooms, hookah parlours and country bars, which will continue to face operating restrictions
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Shops, hotels, restaurants and several other establishments in Maharashtra will now be allowed to operate 24 hours a day, the state government announced.
The relaxation, however, excludes liquor shops, bar permit rooms, hookah parlours and country bars, which will continue to face operating restrictions.
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The decision expands operating hours across the state’s commercial hubs, giving businesses greater flexibility and boosting consumer convenience.
Earlier this week, reports had indicated that the state government was also considering broader labour reforms.
Labour Minister Akash Fundkar said the government is examining a proposal to extend the maximum daily working hours for private sector employees from nine to ten.
The plan, presented to the state cabinet by the labour department, sought to align state labour laws with global practices.
The proposed changes would involve amendments to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, which regulates employment across commercial establishments.
“The state cabinet has asked the labour department for more information before taking any final decision,” Fundkar told reporters.
He also noted that rules concerning women working late hours are under review.
“Once the labour codes are finalised, women will also get to work at late hours. In the existing rules, shops and establishments with 10 or less workers were not covered under our ministry. The new proposal raises the number to 20,” the minister said.
According to labour department officials, the draft proposal outlines around five key amendments, including raising the permissible overtime limit from 125 to 144 hours over three months, revising continuous work-hour regulations, and ensuring mandatory employee breaks.
Fundkar said the push for reform comes after evidence that many employees already work beyond prescribed hours without overtime pay. “This is one of the reasons we are considering increasing the working hours,” he added.
October 01, 2025, 21:48 IST
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