Pune Advocate Jatin Adhav Calls For Human-Centric Working Hours; RTI Exposes Gaps In Maharashtra’s Labour Policy
Pune Advocate Jatin Adhav Calls For Human-Centric Working Hours; RTI Exposes Gaps In Maharashtra’s Labour Policy
Pune, September 4, 2025: Pune Advocate Jatin S. Adhav, President of the People’s Welfare Association and Advocate on Record at the Bombay High Court, has raised serious concerns over the Maharashtra government’s decision to extend private sector working hours from nine to ten per day.
Through a series of Right to Information (RTI) applications filed since 2024, Advocate Adhav sought details from the Labour Department on the rationale, expert consultations, and studies conducted before implementing the policy change. However, the replies revealed that the department has no records of consultations with medical experts, labour unions, or social representatives, nor any research assessing the impact of longer working hours on health and family life.
“Working hours are not just a legal provision — they shape the lives of millions of families,” said Advocate Adhav. He warned that excessive work schedules can lead to stress, depression, heart disease, and strained family relationships. With long commutes in cities like Pune and Mumbai adding an additional 2–3 hours to the day, workers face severe challenges balancing health, rest, and social well-being.
Advocate Adhav has urged the government to adopt people-first reforms, including:
- Mandatory consultations with doctors, psychologists, and labour unions before altering work-hour policies.
- Periodic policy reviews based on health and social impact studies.
- Consideration of flexible work models such as work-from-home and hybrid schedules.
He emphasized, “Health is the new wealth. We must stop treating workers like machines and remember that every policy must respect the truth that man is a social being, not just a working tool.”
Adhav has confirmed that he will continue pursuing further RTIs, appeals, and public awareness campaigns until greater transparency and worker-centric reforms are achieved.
