The Government of Goa has officially notified the Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2025 (Goa Act 23 of 2025), following its passage in the Legislative Assembly on August 7, 2025, and assent by the Governor on September 19, 2025.
This new law replaces the earlier 1973 Act, and aims to modernize the regulation of employment, improve labour welfare, and ensure compliance in commercial establishments such as shops, hotels, restaurants, malls, and places of public entertainment.
🔍 Key Highlights of the Act:
🧾 Scope & Applicability
- Applies to all establishments in Goa employing 20 or more workers (full provisions).
- Section 7 applies to establishments with fewer than 20 workers.
- Exemptions include government bodies, educational institutions, and workers earning above ₹24,000/month, among others.
🏢 Registration & Intimation
- Online registration mandatory within 60 days of commencement for establishments with 20+ workers.
- Establishments with less than 20 workers must submit an online intimation of commencement.
- Online certificate issuance within 7 working days, or deemed approval if not issued on time.
⏰ Working Hours & Weekly Off
- Daily limit: 10 hours, Weekly limit: 48 hours
- Spread-over not to exceed 12 hours (or 14 hours for intermittent/urgent work)
- Overtime pay: Double the normal wage
- Mandatory weekly off with wages or compensatory off
👩💼 Employment of Women & Young Persons
- Women may work beyond 7:30 PM only with written consent, safe transport, and proper facilities.
- No child labour; limited hours for young persons (7 hours/day, no overtime)
🏖️ Leave & Paid Holidays
- 6 days casual + 9 days sick leave per year (non-carry forward)
- 15 days earned leave (for 240+ days of work), can accumulate up to 45 days
- 9 paid public holidays, including Republic Day, Goa Liberation Day, and Christmas
🚰 Welfare Measures
- Mandatory creche for 50+ workers
- Canteen for 100+ workers
- Adequate first-aid, drinking water, toilets, and safety protocols
📋 Compliance & Records
- Employers must maintain registers (electronically or manually), issue appointment letters and ID cards
- Submit annual returns and notify changes digitally
🔍 Inspection & Enforcement
- Facilitator-cum-Inspectors empowered to inspect, advise, and enforce compliance
- Randomized web-based inspection system to be introduced
⚖️ Penalties & Compounding
- Fines up to ₹10,000 for contraventions
- Heavier penalties for repeated offences or those causing injury/death
- Offences may be compounded (settled) for first-time violations
Repeal and savings.
On and from the date of commencement of this Act, the Goa Shops and Establishments Act, 1973 (Act No. 13 of 1974), shall stand repealed
📅 Next Steps
The Act will come into force on a date to be notified by the State Government in the Official Gazette. Establishments are advised to:
Ensure all statutory facilities are in place
Review their HR and compliance systems
Prepare for online registration or intimation