Punjab Cabinet's Major Relief for Small Traders and Workers: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a key decision taken during the state cabinet meeting, offering significant relief to small traders and shop employees. As per the announcement, the "Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958" will no longer apply to businesses employing fewer than 20 workers.

Punjab Cabinet's Major Relief for Small Traders and Workers: Bhagwant Mann

In addition to this exemption, the overtime working limit for employees has also been increased, which is expected to directly benefit workers by enhancing their earning potential.

ਅੱਜ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਦੀ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਛੋਟੇ ਵਪਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਦੁਕਾਨਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਫ਼ੈਸਲਾ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਹੁਣ 20 ਤੋਂ ਘੱਟ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀਆਂ ਵਾਲੇ ਵਪਾਰਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ "ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਸਥਾਪਨਾ ਐਕਟ 1958" ਲਾਗੂ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ। ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਓਵਰਟਾਈਮ ਸੀਮਾ 'ਚ ਵੀ ਵਾਧਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ। ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਉਹਨਾਂ… pic.twitter.com/FfLNLQxIKY

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) June 4, 2025

This move is aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses and providing flexibility to both employers and employees. The government sees it as a step towards improving the ease of doing business in the state and supporting local economies.

The new changes are likely to impact a large number of small traders across Punjab, giving them operational relief, while also ensuring better income opportunities for daily wage and low-salaried workers.

This announcement follows a series of pro-people decisions taken by the Mann government aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and worker welfare.

This reform is seen as a step forward in improving the ease of doing business in Punjab, especially for startups, local kirana stores, service shops, and family-run establishments. By reducing legal formalities and offering operational flexibility, the government aims to stimulate local entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Support for Informal Workforce

The changes are also being viewed as a pro-labour initiative, as increased overtime opportunities could help thousands of daily-wage earners and workers from economically weaker backgrounds. CM Mann stated that his government is committed to balancing business growth with workers’ welfare, ensuring no segment is left behind.

The Punjab government is expected to roll out a detailed notification soon, and labour officers will be briefed to ensure smooth implementation and grievance redressal mechanisms.