Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the main Opposition party in Odisha, has expressed cautious optimism alongside serious concerns regarding the labour law amendments approved by the state Cabinet.

The amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 and the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956 which allow extended working hours, 24x7 operations, and night shifts for women mark a significant shift in the state’s labour policy, said BJD leader and Cuttack Mayor Subas Singh at a presser here today.

While acknowledging the government's intention to spur economic growth and attract investment, Singh emphasized that such reforms must not come at the expense of workers' rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable groups like contractual and casual labourers.

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