India Employment Guide

India is in South Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal (east), Arabian Sea (west), China, Nepal, Bhutan (north) and Pakistan (northwest). It has ~1.4 billion people (the world’s 2nd most populous); Hindi and English are official (plus local languages per state), with New Delhi as capital. Its economy grows fast, service-led (notably IT and finance), while agriculture and manufacturing matter. Labor laws (e.g., Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act) protect wages, hours, leave and social security. Standard workweek: 48 hours (overtime needs extra pay/time off). Salaries are usually monthly (avg. ₹35,000 pre-tax). Laws cover paid leave, back flexible work and protect vulnerable workers, balancing interests for a sustainable labor market.

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Currency

Indian Rupee (INR, ₹)

Capital

New Delhi

Official language

Hindi and English

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in India

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Understanding Paid Time Off (PTO) Policies

Paid Time Off (PTO) is a critical component of employment agreements, ensuring employees receive adequate rest while maintaining productivity. The minimum statutory PTO entitlement is 18 days per year, which aligns with global HR best practices for work-life balance.

National Public Holidays: A Diverse Calendar

India observes a wide array of public holidays that reflect its cultural and religious diversity. These holidays are essential for workforce planning and cultural respect. Key holidays include:

New Year's Day
Republic Day
Holi
Eid al-Fitr
Diwali
Christmas
Maha Shivaratri
Ugadi
Ram Navami
Good Friday
Buddha Purnima
Eid al-Adha
Muharram
Raksha Bandhan
Independence Day
Janmashtami
Ganesh Chaturthi
Onam
Gandhi Jayanti
Dussehra
Milad un-Nabi
Guru Nanak Jayanti

For multinational companies like SailGlobal, adapting to local holiday schedules is vital for seamless operations and employee satisfaction. Case studies show that businesses that honor these holidays experience higher retention rates.

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