The labour law amendment approved by the Odisha Cabinet yesterday has elicited cautious reaction from Biju Janata Dal with senior party leader and mayor of Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Subas Singh, expressed concerns, stating, “Such reforms must not come at the expense of workers’ rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable groups like contract and casual labourers.”
The labour law amendment approved by the Odisha Cabinet yesterday has elicited cautious reaction from Biju Janata Dal with senior party leader and mayor of Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Subas Singh, expressed concerns, stating, “Such reforms must not come at the expense of workers’ rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable groups like contract and casual labourers.”
The amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 and the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956 allow for extended working hours, 24×7 operations, and night shifts for women, marking a significant shift in the state’s labour policy.
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While acknowledging the government’s intention to spur economic growth and attract investment, Mayor Singh emphasized that overtime should remain strictly voluntary. He warned that without explicit safeguards, workers might face undue pressure to work beyond reasonable limits.
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Highlighting key areas of concern, Singh noted that existing gaps in enforcement and inspection mechanisms need to be addressed. He also questioned who would be responsible for ensuring compliance across thousands of establishments.
Singh 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 might not always translate into real-world security. He called for the urgent publication of detailed safety guidelines and clear accountability structures to ensure that women’s safety remains non-negotiable.
The senior BJD leader further urged the state government to consult widely with labour unions, women’s organizations, and civil society groups to build effective monitoring frameworks, grievance redressal mechanisms, and transparent wage systems.
Singh reaffirmed BJD’s commitment to inclusive growth, gender-sensitive governance, and the protection of workers’ rights. He said, “Development should never come at the cost of dignity. Odisha must set a national example by balancing industrial flexibility with humane and just working conditions.”
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