Chandigarh: These Shops Allowed To Operate 24*7 on All 365 Days | Details Inside

New Delhi: The Chandigarh administration has issued a new order allowing shops and commercial establishments registered with the labour department to operate round-the-clock. This decision is aimed at promoting ease of doing business and simplifying labour laws and regulations. The order, dated June 25, permits all registered shops and commercial establishments under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958 (as applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh) to remain open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

However, there are specific provisions regarding the employment of female workers. Female employees are generally not allowed to work after 8 pm unless they provide written consent. Employers must ensure adequate safety and security arrangements for female employees during working hours, including separate lockers, security, and rest rooms at the workplace. For those who consent to work night shifts, employers must ensure their safe transportation home.

The administration has mandated several conditions to ensure the safety and welfare of all employees. These include:

Adequate safety and security arrangements for all employees and visitors.
Proper transportation facilities for female employees working night shifts.
Annual self-defense workshops.
Compliance with additional guidelines and rules specified by the labour department.

Employees are entitled to one day of rest per week and a rest period of at least 30 minutes after five hours of continuous work. No employee should work more than nine hours a day or 48 hours a week. Furthermore, shops and commercial establishments must install CCTV cameras with at least 15 days of recording backup for safety purposes.

The Secretary-cum-Labour Commissioner, Vinay Pratap Singh, emphasized that the administration is focused on the welfare and ease of doing business for all shopkeepers and traders in Chandigarh, leading to the implementation of these extended hours.  

Notably, the timings for liquor vends, bars, and pubs will remain regulated by excise laws and are not affected by this order.