Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Cabinet approves key amendments to benefit small shopkeepers
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, June 4, 2025 –Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing the media after today's cabinet meeting, announced a major decision to provide relief to small shopkeepers by amending the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958.
Mann said the amendment is aimed at freeing shopkeepers from what he called the "Inspector Raj."
Earlier, if a shopkeeper employed workers, they were required to maintain detailed records for labor inspectors. Now, shops employing up to 20 workers or helpers will no longer have to furnish such records or face inspections.
"This move will benefit around 95 percent of the shopkeepers in the state," Mann stated.
He also said that the permissible overtime hours for workers have been increased from 50 to 144 hours, which will boost income. The total working hours per day will now be capped at 12.
For shops employing more than 20 workers, approval for operations will now be granted within 24 hours. If any error occurs during the approval process, a chance for correction will be given, reducing the number of cases going to court.
"We are ending the era of Inspector Raj and paving the way for progress," said Mann. He added that the amended Act will be tabled in the Vidhan Sabha for passage and subsequently implemented.