Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government’s Labour Department has issued a notification allowing all registered shops and commercial establishments in the state to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
The decision has been taken under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, with the stated objective of promoting trade, business and employment in the state.
The exemption, issued by Labour Department Secretary Manvesh Singh Sidhu, IAS, provides registered establishments relief from the provisions of Sections 9 and 10(1) of the Act. This means eligible establishments can operate round the clock, including on all 365 days of the year.
However, establishments availing themselves of the exemption will have to comply with several mandatory conditions.
Women’s safety rules mandatory
Employers will have to strictly comply with all provisions and directions under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
They will also be required to follow the Labour Department’s guidelines issued from time to time regarding the employment of women employees during night shifts.
No child labour
The notification makes compliance with the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended from time to time, mandatory for all establishments.
Labour laws to be followed
The establishments will also have to comply with all applicable provisions and rules relating to wages, social security, industrial relations, occupational safety and health under the relevant labour codes.
Exemption can be withdrawn
The government has made it clear that the exemption can be withdrawn if any shop or commercial establishment is found violating the prescribed conditions or relevant provisions of law.
In such cases, the competent authority may, after providing the establishment an opportunity of being heard, withdraw the exemption and prescribe fresh operating hours.
The notification will remain in force until further orders. The Punjab Government has also reserved the right to review the exemption at any time on the basis of administrative requirements or other considerations.
