On 30 March 2026, the Haryana Government issued a notification granting enhanced operational flexibility to shops and establishments across the State of Haryana.
Key Takeaways:
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Notified under Section 28 of the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, the government exempts eligible shops and commercial establishments from provisions relating to opening and closing hours (Section 9) and the mandatory weekly close day (Section 10).
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The exemption is available only to establishments registered online on the Labour Department’s website through auto-mode registration based on self-certification. Unregistered establishments cannot avail the benefit.
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By removing statutory restrictions on operating hours and weekly closure, the notification enables establishments to function beyond prescribed timings, including round-the-clock operations, subject to labour safeguards.
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Employment of women during night shifts (8 PM to 6 AM) is permitted only upon obtaining a separate exemption under Section 28, granted in auto mode based on self-certification and subject to conditions prescribed under an earlier notification issued on 13 October 2025.
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The notification expressly retains statutory limits on:
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48 hours per week
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10 hours per day
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A maximum of 12 hours per day including rest intervals
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Employees must be provided:
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A minimum 30-minute rest interval after 6 hours of work
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Overtime wages at twice the normal rate for extra hours worked
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The exemption does not override or relax compliance with other applicable labour legislations, including rules relating to wages, social security, safety, and welfare.
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The notification has no overriding effect on any order, circular, advisory, or notification issued by any other authority, including the police or other government departments.
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Establishments availing the exemption will have to display a copy of the notification at the employee entrance or exit.
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The notification promotes ease of doing business for consumer-facing establishments with worker protections remaining intact.
[Haryana Labour Department Notification, issued on 30-3-2026]
