The provision extended the daily working hours from 8 to 12. However, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu clarified that the maximum weekly working hours would be capped at 48 hours.

Through the amendment, the idea of the government was to push for more investments and provide a boost for companies under the electronics and non-leather shoe-making industries.
However, the Opposition, alliance partners of the DMK, trade unions, and activists claimed that such a provision was sweeping and could lead to misuse, thus affecting the rights of the workers.


Similarly, the second policy u-turn was over the government‘s recent decision to allow the serving of liquor in convention halls, convention centres, marriage halls, stadiums, household celebrations etc through a special license.

Though the government claimed that such special liquor licence was in force in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and New Delhi, the move came under sharp criticism from Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu which claimed that the decision would affect social order and negatively impact law-and-order which they claimed was already deteriorating.

Following the backlash, the government decided to remove the special liquor licence for “celebrations/ festivals etc” and allowed supply of liquor in conference hall, convention centre during national/ international conferences and summits. It has also been permitted for sports events of national and international importance.