Vijayawada: The legislative council on Monday cleared several bills, paving the way for changes in labour laws, vehicle taxation, and welfare legislation. The discussions saw heated exchanges, with the opposition walking out in protest over certain amendments. Among the approved bills was the Motor Vehicle Taxation Amendment Bill 2025, which proposes to reduce green tax levied on vehicles. The council also passed the AP State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill 2025, removing the age limit of 65 years for the commission chairman. Another important legislation — the AP Prevention of Begging Amendment Bill — deleted two objectionable words, leper and lunatic, from the Act, modernising its terminology.The most debated proposal was the AP Shops and Establishment Act Amendment Bill 2025, which increases daily working hours from 8 to 10, while retaining the 48-hour work week. It also permits night duty for women between 8:30 pm and 6 am, subject to safety conditions. Labour minister Vasamsetti Subhash clarified that weekend leave provisions would remain unchanged.However, opposition leader Botcha Satyanarayana strongly objected to the move, warning that the changes could endanger women workers and harm labour rights. He urged the govt to consult labour unions before implementing such reforms. “This Bill will create a difficult situation for workers, especially women. We cannot support it,” Botcha said, before staging a walkout with YSRCP members.Defending the reforms, minister Subhash said the amendments were aimed at “protecting workers while ensuring industrial growth” by simplifying procedures and increasing flexibility. Minister Payyavula Keshav assured that detailed safety rules would be framed for women through govt orders.The council also approved the AP Factories Amendment Bill 2025 and the AP Factories Leave to Withdraw Amendment Bill, with the govt insisting that the changes are designed to balance worker welfare and industrial needs.
