The Labour Department of Chandigarh on June 26th, 2024, issued the notification regarding the permission to keep the shops and Commercial Establishments open all 365 days and operate 24 hours.
Key Updates:
Conditions for opening of shops
Every employee working in the said shops and establishments shall be given one day rest in a week without making any deduction from his/her wages and the list of the timetable of such holidays for a month shall be placed on the notice board in advance.
Every employee shall be given a rest period of at least half an hour after 5 hours of continuous work. No employee shall be required to work for more than 9 hours in day or 48 hours in a week.
Security after 10 pm
If any shop or establishment remains open after 10 pm on any day, adequate safety and security arrangements shall be ensured to all employees and visitors by the management. The woman employees shall be provided separate locker, security and rest rooms at the workplace, as per the order.
Woman employees not to work after 8 pm
The woman employees will not be allowed to work after 8 pm and in case they are allowed to after 8 pm, their written consent in this regard shall be taken and adequate safety and security arrangements for them shall be provided during working hours.
Anti-Harassment Measures:
Follow the Supreme Court guidelines and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 and secure transport for women working night shifts, with detailed records.
Holiday and Wages:
- Provide paid national and festival holidays.
- Pay wages and overtime directly to bank accounts.
- Overtime limited to 50 hours per quarter, paid at double rate.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with the specified conditions and relevant laws may result in penalties and legal action as per the provisions of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, and other applicable laws. In situations governed by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the directions under these acts will override the provisions of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958.
