The Government of Punjab on July 15, 2024, issued a notification to permit all the establishments in the state to remain open on all 365 days of the year for a further period of 1 year up to May 31, 2025, subject to the following conditions namely:
1. Weekly Holiday Requirement:
Under the new rules, every employee should be granted one day off each week. This weekly holiday cannot be used as a reason to deduct wages from an employee’s salary. To facilitate this, employers are required to post a timetable for these holidays on the notice board in advance, each month. This ensures that employees are aware of their scheduled time off and can plan their personal lives accordingly.
2. Mandatory Rest Periods:
To prevent overworking and ensure the health and productivity of employees, the notification stipulates that each employee must receive a one-hour rest period after working for five continuous hours. This measure is designed to reduce fatigue and maintain high level of performance throughout the day.
3. Work Hour Limits: The notification also sets strict limits on working hours. Employees cannot work more than 9 hours on one single day or exceed 48 hours in a week. These limits are crucial in preventing burnout and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
4. Safety and Security Measures:
For establishments which operate beyond 10:00pm, there are additional requirements to ensure the safety and security of both employees and visitors. Employers must implement adequate safety measures, which would include security personnel, surveillance systems, or other safety protocols. This is particularly important in ensuring a secure work environment during late hours.
5. Staffing for Extended Hours
With the increased operational hours, establishments are required to hire additional staff to cover the extended working periods. This requirement helps in distributing the workload more evenly and ensures that existing employees are not overburdened.
6. Facilities for Female Employees
The notification also emphasizes the need for gender-specific facilities. Female employees must have access to separate lockers, security measures, and restrooms. These provisions are essential for creating a comfortable and safe working environment for women.
7. Internal Complaint Committee for Sexual Harassment
In alignment with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, employers are required to establish an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) to handle complaints of sexual harassment. This committee must be functional and effective, ensuring that female employees have a reliable channel to report and address any instances of harassment.
Implications for Employers and Employees
For employers, this notification presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, being allowed to operate every day of the year can lead to increased revenue and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, complying with these regulations requires careful planning and management. Establishments will need to adjust their staffing, ensure safety measures are in place, and manage employee schedules effectively.
For employees, these regulations are designed to enhance work conditions and protect their rights. The mandatory weekly holiday and rest periods contribute to a better work-life balance, while the safety and gender-specific provisions help in creating a safer and more equitable workplace environment.
Conclusion
The Government of Punjab’s new notification marks a significant shift in the operational dynamics of businesses within the state. By imposing these conditions, the government aims to support economic activity while simultaneously safeguarding employee welfare. Both employers and employees must adapt to these changes, ensuring compliance with the new rules and fostering a healthy, productive work environment.
