Shops can remain open round the clock now: Gujarat govt. notifies notifies new law

Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat has notified the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act 2019, enabling shops and commercial establishments to remain open round the clock is notified by the State govt. Implementation has already started from midnight.

Gujarat assembly had passed Gumasta Dhara: Gujarat Dukan – Sanstha Adhiniyam – 2019 bill in February this year.

Highlights of the bill:

– Shops located in municipal corporation areas, on national highway, at railway station, State transport bus stations, hospitals, petrol pumps to be allowed to remain open round the clock.

– Shops in municipality areas and on State highways to be allowed to remain open during 6 am to 11 pm.

– In interior rural areas, shops will be allowed to open from 6 am to 11 pm.

– Shops to be allowed to function on all 365 days of year.

– Flat rules for functional hours, opening/closing time, rest hours, work-hours of shops, commercial units, hotel, restaurant, eateries, theater, entertainment spots. Single rule governing all.

– Provision for one leave per week to employees.

– If one weekly off is not given to staffer, double payment for work on that day will need to be paid.

– Provision of shift in amended bill, so that if some trader needs to work on urgent order, he can keep the shop open to complete the work.

– Overtime limit increased from 36 hours per 3 months to 125 hours per 3 months.

– Overtime payment increased from 1.5 time to double.

– Women employees can work from 6 am to 9 pm instead of 6 am to 7 pm.

– If woman employee is required to work beyond prescribed time limit of 6 am to 9 pm, her consent will be required. In addition to this vehicle facility to drop her to residence and proper security provision to her shall be required.

– If there are 30 or more female staffers, the owner will need to provide Ghodiyaghar facility. Such facility can be created jointly by shop owners in 1 km circular distance.

– If there are more than 100 employees, a facility of canteen shall be required. Such facility is allowed to be created jointly with permission of inspector.

– The government officials will be able to limit the hours of functioning through a notification in case of traffic problem, health hazard, public safety and law and order related situations.

– Provision for one time registration. No need for renewal.

DeshGujarat