Is It Legal for Employers to Require Employees to Be on Duty 24/7? Seeking HR Advice

Job Advertisement Inquiry

I have been reading the advertisement posted by one of the reputed employers in Delhi. They have been releasing this advertisement for the past couple of months. Please go through the content. They mention the need for an employee for 24 hours. Is this correct as per HR rules and regulations? Your advice would be appreciated.

Posted on Naukri.com at the following link: https://www.naukri.com/job-listings-...source=joblink

Job Details

Short Hand Secretary (24x7) - Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies
Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies
12 - 22 years, Delhi
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Best in the industry for deserving candidate
Openings: 2
Posted 3 days ago
Job Applicants: 49
Job Views: 291

Job Description

Secretary will stay 24 hours and will receive free food and lodging from the company.
Salary: Best in the industry for deserving candidate
Industry: Wellness / Fitness / Sports / Beauty
Functional Area: Executive Assistant, Front Office, Data Entry
Role Category: Other
Role: Secretary/PA
Employment Type: Permanent Job, Full Time

Key Skills

Secretarial activities, secretary, executive secretary, short hand secretary, steno secretary, stenographer, shorthand

Desired Candidate Profile

Secretary will stay 24 hours and will receive free food and lodging from the company.

Company Profile

Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies
Shahnaz Husain is internationally acclaimed for her Herbal & Ayurvedic products. Shahnaz.in is one of the most trusted destinations and Ayurveda websites to buy genuine Ayurvedic & herbal beauty products by Shahnaz Husain. The Shahnaz Husain name

Recruiter Name: Afsana
Contact Company: Shahnaz Ayurvedics
Email Address: [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons], [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]
Website: http://www.shahnaz.in
Telephone: [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]

Dear Maxe_now, you have provided the Job Description (JD) for the position of secretary, and your question is how anyone can work for 24 hours. Another question you have is if the labor laws permit an 8-hour workday, then why is this company asking for 24 hours?

Technically, you are correct. Nobody can be employed for 24 hours. However, the company is willing to provide food and accommodation. It seems that the various tasks related to the job arise at odd timings; hence this position requires somebody who can be available "on-call."

The nature of the position

The position could be similar to that of a rector or warden of a hostel. For the safety and security of the hostel residents, wardens make rounds at odd times. This could be late at night or even early in the morning. Of course, this could involve some strain, but the nature of the job is such that the person who takes it up should be in proximity.

I hope my justification is acceptable to you. Nevertheless, other senior individuals may also provide their opinions.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar