Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Bill 2016

The Union Cabinet  cleared the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016.

Highlights:

• The law will allow shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments to run 24×7 throughout the year.
• It covers establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units and will provide freedom to operate 365 days with flexibility on timing to open and close.
• It also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate security, and calls for better working conditions for employees such as drinking water, canteen, first-aid, lavatory and creche.
• The law also provides exemption to highly-skilled workers like those in IT and biotechnology from daily working hours (9 hours) and weekly working hours (48 hours).
• There are also provisions in the bill regarding powers of Government to make rules regarding adequate measures to be taken by the employer for the safety and health of workers.

Way ahead:

As per the proposal mooted by Labour Ministry, the model law can be adopted by states with a provision to modify it as per their requirements. This is designed to bring in uniformity in legislative provisions, making it easier for all states to adopt it and ensure uniform working conditions across the country. It should be noted here that the model law will not require Parliament’s approval.

Background:

The Centre has been receiving suggestions from time to time to enact the model law, which states could consider for enforcement either by adopting the central law or through necessary modification by the state law.