Chandigarh, 5th July 2024 - In a move aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business for shopkeepers and traders in UT Chandigarh, the Labour Department of Chandigarh Administration has issued a notification allowing shops and commercial establishments registered under the Punjab Shops & Commercial Establishments Act 1958 to operate 24×7 throughout the year without requiring specific permission from the Labour Department.

To ensure effective implementation of this notification, the Labour Department has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Secretary cum Commissioner, Labour Department, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, clarified that the extended operational hours are voluntary and not compulsory for shopkeepers and traders. Only those shops and commercial establishments registered with the Labour Department can avail of this facility.

Multiple teams from the Labour Department have initiated an awareness campaign in various markets to explain the SOP for extended operational hours. Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh also mentioned that 10 registered shops and commercial establishments have submitted self-undertakings on the online portal of the Labour Department - labour.chd.gov.in, confirming that they have made necessary arrangements as per the notification to open during extended hours.

These shops, primarily in the grocery and food business, are located across different parts of the city. The list of shopkeepers and traders opting for extended hours has been shared with the area SHO to ensure the safety of staff and customers. The list has also been shared with the Municipal Corporation to ensure cleanliness and waste management during extended hours.

To facilitate and raise awareness among interested shopkeepers and traders, the Labour Department has formed teams of six Labour Inspectors and supporting staff. Awareness meetings have been scheduled in the coming weeks for the benefit of traders and shopkeepers.

It was stated that any exemption would be canceled if there is a violation of the terms and conditions, after providing an opportunity for a hearing by the Competent Authority. Complaints can be forwarded to the Labour Department, UT, Chandigarh at alcld-chd@chd.nic.in or via contact number 0172-2679000.