The Government of Maharashtra has notified the Maharashtra Private Security Guards (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) (Amendment) Act, 2025, introducing modifications to the 1981 Act. These amendments, effective from 28th April, 2025, seek to update the definition of “establishment”, expand procedural powers under the Scheme and revise the age threshold for prohibition of child labour.
Key Highlights:
- The 2025 Amendment replaces the reference to the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act, 1948 with the more contemporary Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. This alignment expands the definition of “establishment” to encompass entities engaged in trade, manufacturing, banking, insurance, journalism and professional services. Further, it explicitly includes non-profit organisations such as societies and trusts. Notably, establishments governed by the Factories Act, 1948 remain excluded from this definition.
- Further, the minimum age for lawful employment as a private security guard has been raised from fourteen to eighteen years. This amendment extends the prohibition of employment to all individuals below the age of eighteen.
Source: Maharashtra Egazette
