The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) has introduced two new entries under Schedule-1 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954. These entries provide exemptions to all establishments and commercial shops (except liquor shops) from specific provisions of the Act, subject to stringent compliance conditions.
🔖 Newly Added Entries to Schedule-1
| Entry No. | Description | Exempted Sections | Key Conditions Summary |
| 301 | All Establishments except Liquor Shops | Section 14 (Women Employment) | – Work hour limits – No forced night shifts – Overtime at double pay |
| 302 | All Shops and Commercial Establishments (except Liquor Shops) | Sections 15 & 16 (Hours, Rest & Closure) | – Safety, security & transport for overtime/night shifts – CCTV & footage retention – Legal compliance & record keeping – Washrooms, safety lockers, and basic amenities – Internal Complaints Committee – Consent for night shifts – Wage payment via cheque/ECS |
🧾 Highlights of the Notification
Work Hours & Overtime (Entry 301):
- Employees must not work over 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week.
- No more than 5 hours at a stretch without rest.
- Double wages must be paid for overtime.
- Shift rotations required to avoid forcing night shifts.
Employee Welfare & Compliance (Entry 302):
Employers must ensure safety, security, and transport for employees working late.
CCTV installation is mandatory, and footage must be preserved for at least one month.
Legal benefits like PF, ESI, bonus, and minimum wages must be ensured.
Payment of wages must be via cheque or ECS.
Weekly offs must be provided in rotation.
Establishments must display this notification at employee entrances.
For Women Employees:
Employers must set up Internal Complaints Committees under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Consent of women employees is required for night shifts.
Mandatory Reporting:
Establishments seeking these exemptions must furnish details (registration, employer info, number of employees, etc.) along with an undertaking to comply with all conditions to the Labour Department, GNCTD.
No Override Clause:
This exemption will not override any existing orders/advisories issued by other authorities, including police or municipal departments.
📌 Conclusion
This amendment is aimed at providing flexibility to employers while ensuring robust worker protections, especially for women working during late hours. However, liquor shops remain excluded from these exemptions.