Dear Rajugitam,
Thank you for your counter question. In fact the details of it made me doubtful about the validity and correctness of my previous reply and motivated me to make a thorough search in this regard to the best of my effort and ability.
After going through the Model Shops and Establishment ( Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service ) Bill,2016, I am of the firm opinion that any R&D Unit of an organization which is situated independent of or away from the factory of such organization would be an "establishment" as per the definition of the term u/s 2(d) of the Model Bill. The definition of the term "worker" u/s 2(j) of the Bill coupled with its exemption clause from working hours provided u/s 8(5)(e) as follows would lend support to my opinion -
"Section 8(5)- The provisions of sub sections (1) and (2) shall, in relation to the following class of workers employed in such shops or establishment, apply only to such extent, and subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed, namely :- (e) Highly skilled workers ( such as workers working in the establishments of Information Technology, Bio-Technology and Research and Development Divisions )."
I am not sure whether your State has adopted the Model Bill and framed its own Rules.