Bhubaneswar: The Opposition BJD has expressed cautious optimism alongside serious concerns regarding the recent labour law amendments approved by the Odisha Cabinet.
The Mohan Majhi government on Monday increased the daily working hours to 10 hours with a 48-hour weekly cap for all commercial establishments while allowing women employees to work night shifts and enhancing overtime wages for the workers, to foster economic growth and streamline business operations in the state.
Speaking at a presser, leader of the party’s labour wing and Cuttack mayor Subhas Singh said the amendments, allowing extended working hours for workers, night shift for women workers and 24X7 operations, mark a significant shift in the state’s labour policy. He, however, said that these reforms should not come at the expense of workers’ rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable groups like contract and casual labourers.
While acknowledging the government’s intention to spur economic growth and attract investment, Singh stressed that overtime must remain strictly voluntary, warning that without explicit safeguards, workers could face undue pressure to work beyond reasonable limits.
He also raised alarms over existing gaps in enforcement and inspection mechanisms, questioning who would ensure compliance across thousands of establishments.
The Cuttack Mayor advocated for a robust, well-funded labour inspectorate, equipped with digital wage tracking and empowered to conduct surprise audits.
On the provision for women’s night shifts, Singh cautioned that written consent and theoretical safety protocols may not translate into real-world security. He called for the urgent publication of detailed safety guidelines and clear accountability structures to ensure women’s safety is non-negotiable.
He further urged the state government to consult widely with labour unions, women’s organisations, and civil society groups to build effective monitoring frameworks, grievance redressal mechanisms, and transparent wage systems. Development should never come at the cost of dignity. Odisha must set a national example in balancing industrial flexibility with humane and just working conditions,” he said while reaffirming BJD’s commitment to inclusive growth, gender-sensitive governance, and the protection of workers’ rights.