The Shops and Establishment Act was primarily designed, to assist with the roles and working conditions of employees and employers, especially in the unorganized sector. The most important part of this Act was that it provided legal liability and authority to employers and employees associated with the unorganized employment sector. Additionally, the creation of the Act regulated the work status and employment in shops, business establishments, in-house hotels, restaurants, restaurants, theatres and other places of public entertainment.
Usually, each Indian state had their own rules about shops registration licences, but there are a few guidelines that are quite common across the country. These rules were put in place to assist with regulating working hours, vacations, government holidays, instructions of service, daily wages etc. Furthermore, they also regulated wages, work hours, vacations, holiday, service and other working conditions of employed employees in the shop and other commercial establishments.
The Shops and Establishment Act has been put together by the Labour Department of the Government. The Act created several rules, making it quite important to follow them for anyone running a business or carrying out any type of trade. It was structured to regulate not just wages and holidays, but rules of service, leisure and other working conditions. Societies, Charitable Trusts, Printing Establishments, Educational Institutions, which were run for profit all fell under the jurisdiction of the Shops and Establishment Act. Finally, activities related to banking, insurance, brokerage stock were also regulated under this Act.
Throughout India, all shops and commercial establishments functioning in every state are governed by this Act. Under the Shops and Establishments Act, shops are defined as any places where goods are being sold, at retail or wholesale prices or services, like offices, storerooms, warehouses, godowns or any other working place, which are all regulated under this Act. There is a clause stating that the Indian Government can also add other establishments under this Act, if they so choose to, by adding their information to the official Gazette. Furthermore, there are certain relaxations for shop keepers and other individuals from this Act, if they meet the requirements.
The Punjab Shops And Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, also extends to the entire state of Haryana. The registration can be handled online or offline through the Labour department directly. However, the system suggests working on the same online since it is easier for both parties.
There are multiple reputed websites that applicants can log on to if they are planning on applying for their Shops registration licence. They have to create an account for themselves using their email ID and password. They can then use this account to apply for their registration, later if they have to re-register, and when they have to renew their application. However, they should remember their application details.
The account needs the main application form, information about the owner of the business, business details, several supporting documents, and the payment receipt. This information will be verified and an inspection conducted before the application received the licence.