Chandigarh: The Punjab government’s Labour Department has issued a notification allowing all registered shops and commercial establishments in the state to remain open around the clock, seven days a week, throughout the year.
The decision has been taken under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, with the stated aim of promoting trade, business and employment in the state.
The exemption, issued by Labour Department Secretary Manvesh Singh Sidhu, IAS, provides eligible registered establishments relief from the provisions of Sections 9 and 10(1) of the Act.
Under the notification, establishments covered by the exemption can operate 24 hours a day on all 365 days of the year, subject to compliance with the conditions prescribed by the Labour Department.
The government has, however, made it clear that establishments opting to operate round the clock will have to follow several mandatory conditions. These include compliance with applicable labour laws and requirements relating to employees, working hours, wages, safety and other statutory obligations.
The notification is expected to provide greater flexibility to businesses while allowing commercial establishments to operate according to consumer demand and business requirements
