Haryana Extends Working Hours to 10 Hours for Shops and Companies; Overtime Limit Increased

Chandigarh, Haryana: The Haryana government has amended the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, increasing working hours in companies and shops from 9 hours to 10 hours per day. Alongside this, the maximum overtime limit has been raised from 115 hours to 144 hours per quarter, with all overtime being voluntary and compensated at double the normal wage rate.

Key Amendments

• Mandatory Appointment Letters & ID Cards: Large establishments and companies must now issue appointment letters and identity cards to all employees.
• Two-Tier Registration Framework: Businesses employing up to 20 employees and those employing more than 20 employees must register online under the new framework.
• Compliance & Penalties: First-time violations related to registration or documentation will incur fines ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, while repeated violations may attract a daily fine of ₹500.
• Rest & Safety Provisions: Employees must work continuously for six hours to qualify for rest leave. Female workers may only operate machinery if adequate safety equipment is provided.

Benefits and Impact

Officials state that the amendments will help businesses expand reach and increase revenue, while ensuring worker rights and safety. The new rules also remove an older restriction preventing women and children from working near cotton machinery, as child labor is already prohibited under existing laws.

The amendments were approved in a cabinet meeting on 3 November and formalized through an ordinance by Governor Prof. Ashim Ghosh, which will be presented in the upcoming assembly session for ratification.