Govt amends Factories Act to allow for more working hours
BENGALURU:
The state government has gone ahead and amended the Factories Act to provide for extra working hours, despite opposition from workers’ representatives. On Thursday, the cabinet approved a number of bills, including one on Karnataka State University and one on the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy said it was decided to create a cadre on a deputation basis for the ACB.
Sections 64 and 65 of the Factories Act of 1948 has been amended to allow for employees to work 75 hours to 125 hours extra for three months. The minister said it would amount to 35-40 minutes extra per day.
MSME loans
Madhuswamy said it was decided to reduce the interest rate from 10 to 6 per cent on loans to MSMEs which have suffered during the lockdown.
He said KSFC has agreed to provide a loan of Rs 150 crore to the government.
Depts merged
“It has been decided to merge the Pension, Minor Savings and Property Departments with the Treasury Department. The decision has been made with the intention of making a functional department,” he said.
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