On 9-1-2026, the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi introduced the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill aims of modernizing labour practices and strengthening workplace protections, particularly for women employees.
Key Points:
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The Bill seeks to revise the provisions of Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, aligning it with contemporary labour practices and emphasizing women’s safety and workplace equality.
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The Bill expands Section 1 to cover shops and establishments with twenty or more employees, narrowing the scope to larger workplaces and easing compliance for smaller ones.
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Definition of young persons is modified and minimum age for employment will be revised from 12 years to 14 years, aligning with child labour protection norms.
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Proposed provisions under Section 8 aim to revise the following:
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Daily limit: Increased from 9 hours to 10 hours (including rest and lunch).
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Weekly limit: Increased from 54 hours to 60 hours.
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Aggregate limit: Changed from 150 hours per year to 144 hours per quarter.
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Section 10 will be modified to extend the minimum rest interval between work periods from 5 hours to 6 hours.
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The amendment to Section 11 standardizes the maximum spread of working hours across establishments. Earlier, the law differentiated between commercial establishments (ten and a half hours) and shops (twelve hours). The new provision sets a uniform limit of twelve hours for all establishments.
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Section 14 will be revised to strengthen protections for young persons and women in the workplace, as under:
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Young persons are prohibited from working at night, safeguarding their health and well-being.
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Women employees will now be entitled to work in all establishments, including during night shifts, provided they give written consent.
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Night shift timings are defined as 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM in summer and 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM in winter.
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Employers will ensure CCTV surveillance, security arrangements, and safe transport facilities, including for contract workers.
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Women cannot be employed within 6 weeks of childbirth or miscarriage, protecting maternal health.
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At least 2 women employees are required to be present during night shifts to avoid isolation.
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Employers are required to comply with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act), reinforcing workplace dignity.
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The Delhi Government will retain the authority to communicate any additional conditions as needed.
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