Shimla, September 22: The Himachal Pradesh Government has exempted all shops and commercial establishments in the state from provisions related to opening and closing hours, allowing them to operate 24×7 with immediate effect.
The exemption has been granted under Section 27 of the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, with the objective of promoting ease of doing business and round-the-clock operations.
However, employers will have to ensure that employees’ working hours remain within the limits prescribed under the Act. Every employee must be provided one weekly holiday, while overtime beyond the prescribed limits will not be permitted.
Employers will also be required to ensure adequate safety, security, health and welfare measures for all employees. In the case of women employees working night shifts, the terms and conditions prescribed under the government’s earlier notification will have to be followed.
The government has further clarified that all other provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, the rules framed under it and other applicable labour laws will continue to remain applicable.
The exemption will remain in force for one year from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
