The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has criticised the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet’s recent approval of the AP Factories Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to extend the workday to 10 hours. The HRF described it as an irresponsible and deliberate assault on labour rights, and has demanded its immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

In a statement on Tuesday, V. Rajesh, HRF AP State general secretary, and V.S. Krishna – HRF AP & TG Coordination Committee member—said that the amendment to the Factories Act, 1948, is no ‘reform’ but rather a regressive and exploitative move. It undermines decades of hard-fought battles by the working class that established a humane and sustainable working environment.