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Haryana Assembly passes the Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, increasing daily work hours for employees from 9 to 10. Overtime limit rises from 50 to 156 hours per quarter. Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees no longer need mandatory registration.
Assembly Approves Bill Increasing Work Hours to 10 in Haryana
Chandigarh: The Haryana Legislative Assembly recently passed a significant bill that increases working hours for employees in shops and private commercial establishments. Previously, employees were required to work 9 hours a day; this limit has now been extended to 10 hours. The bill's stated objective is to boost economic growth and reduce the compliance burden on small businesses.
This bill was passed as an amendment to the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958. Labour Minister Anil Vij stated that the changes are in the best interest of both employees and employers. The bill includes provisions such as increasing the overtime limit and simplifying the registration process for small businesses.
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The Labour Minister announced that the overtime limit has been increased from 50 hours to 156 hours per quarter. This is intended to better meet business demands. Additionally, the maximum number of consecutive working hours has been increased from five to six, providing greater flexibility in business operations.
Congress MLAs Aditya and Randeep Surjewala opposed the bill, arguing that increasing daily working hours would leave employees with less time for their families and personal lives. Surjewala termed the bill a form of "modern slavery" and proposed retaining the old nine-hour limit. However, the House rejected this amendment.
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According to the bill, small establishments with 20 or fewer employees will no longer require a registration certificate. They will only need to provide information about their business. This change aims to reduce the compliance burden on small businesses and create more employment opportunities.
The Labour Minister informed the House that the bill is beneficial for both parties. However, Congress leaders questioned whether the rules prioritize employee safety or solely benefit employers. The bill was passed in the assembly by a voice vote, formally increasing the working hours for employees in Haryana.
