Chandigarh Business Burdens Lifted: Amendment Act Extends Freedom

The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act has been extended to Chandigarh, easing compliance for small businesses. Establishments with up to 20 employees, covering 95% of businesses in Punjab, are exempt from the Act's provisions. The amendment aims to streamline registration, reducing bureaucratic obstacles for shopkeepers.

The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act has been extended to Chandigarh, significantly reducing compliance demands for small businesses, a government order released on Friday reveals.

The amendment exempts establishments with up to 20 employees, which make up 95% of shops in Punjab, from all provisions of the Act. Enacted in August to dismantle the burdensome ''Inspector Raj,'' the law aims to liberate shopkeepers from excessive regulation.

Under the new rules, registration is necessary only for shops employing over 20 persons, who will benefit from a streamlined process granting deemed approval within 24 hours of application.

(With inputs from agencies.)