Haryana Lawmakers Pass Bill to Lessen Regulatory Burden on Small Establishments

December 22, 2025

Chandigarh: The Haryana Assembly on Monday passed the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to reduce the compliance burden on small establishments. These reforms will promote economic growth and ensure the safety of employees.

Registration Threshold Raised and Process Simplified

Labour Minister Anil Vij, who introduced the bill, said it benefits both small shopkeepers and employees. The threshold for registration and other regulatory provisions under the bill has been raised to apply to any establishment with 20 or more employees. Establishments with fewer than 20 employees will no longer require a registration certificate; they will only need to provide business information.

Vij said, “This change will reduce the compliance burden on small businesses, boost job creation, and eliminate the fear of non-compliance.” He also pointed out that in states like Karnataka, shopkeepers are required to register even if they don’t have a single employee.

Changes to Working Hours and Overtime

Under the bill, the daily working hours have been increased from nine to 10 hours, including rest breaks, and the maximum workweek will be 48 hours. The overtime limit has been increased from 50 hours per quarter to 156 hours, allowing establishments to employ employees for longer periods during periods of increased workload.

Vij said, “This will increase employees’ income, formalize overtime rules, and prevent exploitation. Additionally, establishments will have the flexibility to handle emergencies, high demand, or staff shortages.” He also stated that overtime will not be mandatory for employees.