Karnataka allows business establishments to function 24 hours

Bengaluru, Jan 2: After forcing a dry run since April 2020 in the name of lockdown, the Karnataka Government has allowed business establishments in the State to function 24 hours.

Thus, Labour Class, especially coolies, who were badly hit due to limited working hours they were getting, were relieved.

In an official notification, the Labour Department, has allowed appointment of additional employees and weekly off after working for six day in a week. The details of every employee shall be exhibited by the employer at a conspicuous place in the shop or commercial establishment.

The number of working hours for an employee was restricted to eight hours in a day.

The wages including overtime wages of the employees shall be credited to their savings bank account as prescribed under the payments of wages Act, the notification further said.

Stating that women employees shall not be allowed to work beyond 8pm on any day in normal circumstances, it said, provided that an employer after obtaining written consent from a women employee may allow her to work between 8pm and 6am subject to providing adequate protection to her dignity, honour and safety.

Transport arrangements shall be provided to the woman employee who works in shifts, it said. Every employer employing woman employee shall constitute internal complaints committee against sexual harassment of woman under the Sexual Harassment of Woman at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition an Redressal) Act.

The notification specifies that the employees shall be provided with restroom, washroom, safety lockers and other basic amenities.

The terms and conditions shall be treated and implemented in addition to those provisions specified in the Karnataka Shops and Establishments Act, and The Workmen''s Compensation Act, it said.

Laying conditions, the official notification said in case of violation of any statutory provision or terms and conditions noticed by the inspector or otherwise, necessary penal action shall be initiated against the employer/Manager as laid down in the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, and Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules.