Are Our 15-Minute Lunch Breaks and Strict Pay Cuts Legal? Seeking Advice on Contesting Policies

I work with an NBFC, and we've just recently received an IOM which dictates that we only have 15 minutes for lunch. Our working hours are 9 am-6 pm (minimum, we often end up working more than that). I am aware that the Minimum Wage Act states that working hours should be 8 hours per day (9 including breaks). Are there any legal provisions which will help us contest the new 15-minute lunch break?

Additionally, we have a biometric entry system. If you enter the office at 9:01, you lose half a day's pay (irrespective of what time you leave in the evening). This is not an exaggeration; it happens to several employees every month. You get three chances for 9:01 entries in a month, post which your salary gets cut. Are there any legal provisions which will help us contest this as well?

Dear WebOps,

There aren't any legal obligations regarding the allotment of time for breaks. Lunch breaks can give employees an opportunity to rest from the heavy work pressures, providing them with necessary changes to work energetically in the second half of the shift.

It's up to individual employers to decide, in the best interest of the business and its employees, whether to provide lunch or other breaks. Some take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on flexible hours.

Regarding the time office counting, it is common for many employers to track and enforce a policy of regular attendance. This practice is also followed in our company. I agree with a point you made about employees traveling long distances. They can discuss their concerns with HR to address any issues.

If you have concerns about lunch breaks, you can speak to your department head or HR to resolve the matter, especially for those who wish to travel home for lunch in certain cases.

Thank you.