Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business and boosting economic activity in the state, the Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved key amendments to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956.

The reforms are expected to simplify compliance for businesses, increase employment opportunities—particularly for women—and enhance workforce productivity, while ensuring the protection of employee welfare.

The key amendments are as follows:

The provisions of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956 shall apply to shops and commercial establishments in the state that employ 20 or more individuals.

Daily working hours have been increased from 9 hours to 10 hours.

An employee’s work shift shall not exceed six continuous hours without

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