The Chandigarh Administration has issued a Notification under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 (as applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh) (“Act”). Previously, shops and commercial establishments in Chandigarh were subject to fixed daily working hours and weekly closures. With this Notification, all registered shops and commercial establishments in Chandigarh are now allowed to remain open round the clock on all days of the year, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
Key Highlights:
- All registered shops and commercial establishments may now remain open 24×7, on all 365 days.
- Every employee must be given a weekly rest day with wages. A rest period of at least half an hour is required after five hours of continuous work. Employees cannot be made to work more than nine hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Establishments operating after 10:00 PM must ensure adequate security arrangements for employees and visitors.
- Women can only be engaged beyond 8:00 PM with their written consent and subject to strict safety measures, including secure transport facilities, GPS-enabled vehicles, and proper security arrangements. Separate lockers, restrooms, and security provisions must also be ensured.
- Spread-over of work in a day, including rest breaks, cannot exceed 10 hours. Employees are entitled to national and festival holidays with wages.
- Overtime work is limited to 50 hours in a quarter and must be paid at double the normal hourly rate. All wages, including overtime, must be credited directly to employees’ bank accounts.
- Employers must install CCTV with at least 15 days’ backup, maintain proper worker records, provide emergency alarm facilities, and comply with all other applicable labour laws, including those relating to child labour and prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace.
Source: Labour & Employment Branch, Chandigarh Administration
