All shops and commercial establishments employing ten or more people in Karnataka are now allowed to operate on a 24x7 basis, the state government said on Saturday. The move is aimed at generating employment and accelerating economic growth.
The state government in a circular said no employee should be made to work more than ten hours a day.
"All employers shall not require or allow any person employed to work therein for more than eight hours in any day and forty-eight hours in any week and the period of work including overtime shall not exceed ten hours in any day," the government order said.
All employees are entitled to at least one week-off, the government said. It added that if an employee is made to work beyond eight hours in a day, she will have to be paid an overtime allowance.
Women employees shall not be allowed to work beyond 8.00 PM on any day in normal circumstances.
"Provided that an employer after obtaining written consent from a woman employee may allow her to work between 8.00 PM and 6 AM subject to providing adequate protection to her dignity, honour and safety," the government said.
The government said the employers or managers who are found violating its directives regarding shift timings will face action.
"If employees are found working on any holiday or after normal duty hours without proper indent of overtime, penal action shall be initiated against the employer/Manager as laid down in the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act and Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules," the notification read.
The new system shall be applicable for the next three years, the state government added.
