Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 -- The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has reacted cautiously to the labour law amendments approved by the Odisha Cabinet, with Cuttack Mayor and senior leader Subas Singh stressing that "such reforms must not come at the expense of workers' rights and dignity."The amendments to the Factories Act, 1948, and the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, mark a significant shift in state labour policy, allowing extended working hours, 24x7 operations, and night shifts for women.
While acknowledging the government's intention to spur economic growth, Singh warned that without explicit safeguards, overtime must remain strictly voluntary to prevent undue pressure on contract and casual labourers.
He highlighted a key ar...