Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Punjab Amends Shop Act to Ease Business, Reduce Compliance
Imagine you own a small shop in Punjab.
The government has changed some rules to make things easier for you!
Now, you don't need to register with the government if you have up to 20 workers.
You can also pay workers more for working extra hours, and it is easier to get your business registered.
If you accidentally break a rule, you get a warning before being fined.
These changes are meant to help shop owners and make it simpler to run their businesses.
Punjab cabinet amends the 1958 Shops and Commercial Establishments Act to reduce compliance burdens.
Businesses can now hire up to 20 helpers without registration.
Overtime rules have been revised, increasing permissible hours and pay.
Establishments with 20+ employees get deemed registration approval within 24 hours.
Penalties have been rationalized and a grace period introduced to prevent harassment.
- Who
- Punjab cabinet
- What
- Amendment to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Punjab
- Why
- To reduce compliance burdens and enhance the ease of doing business
- Act Name
- Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958
- Exemption
- No registration for up to 20 helpers
- Overtime
- Increased from 50 to 144 hours per quarter
- Daily Work
- Extended to 12 hours including rest
- Registration Approval (20+ employees)
- Deemed within 24 hours
- Minimum Fine
- Increased from Rs 25 to Rs 1,000
- Grace Period
- Three months between offenses