On 2-6-2023, the Government of Punjab issued a notification permitting all the establishments registered under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 to keep open on all 365 days of the year until 31-5-2024.
Key Points:
The notification will be in force unless it is revoked due to the following conditions:
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Exemptions will remain in operation for a period of 1 year.
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Every employee is entitled to 1 day’s holiday a week and no reductions in the wages will be made.
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Such a list of holidays for a month has to be placed on the noticeboard in advance.
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After every 5 hours of continuous work, 1 hour of rest period has to be given.
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The maximum number of working hours is set at 9 hours a day and 48 hours a week.
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In case, the establishment is open after 10:00 P.M., adequate safety and security arrangements will be given to the employees and visitors.
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The establishments can now be open for all the days in a week and new staff will be appointed for the extended timing.
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Implementation of Provisions of the Prevention of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
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The spread over an employee will not exceed 11 hours a day.
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Employees are entitled to National and Festival holidays with wages.
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The overtime wage of any employee will be sent to the savings bank account of the said employee.
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Provisions for Female employees:
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A separate locker, security and restrooms will be provided.
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Any establishment hiring women employees will have to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee against sexual harassment of women under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
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Maximum working hours set at 8:00 P.M.
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It shall be ensured by the establishment that the female employees reach their homes safely after their work is over.
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Note: In case of violation, the exemption will be cancelled after giving a due opportunity of being heard by the Competent Authority.
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