Bhagwant Singh Mann Historic Labour Reforms Deliver Big Relief for Small Traders, Says Mohinder Bhagat

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat today welcomed the significant decisions taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the Punjab Cabinet meeting, calling them historic and trader-friendly. He said the decisions will provide much-needed relief to small shopkeepers and help uplift the working class by enhancing income opportunities and promoting ease of doing business.

Explaining the reforms, Mr. Bhagat said amendments to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, will bring genuine relief to nearly 95% of small shopkeepers and traders across the state. For far too long, small businesses have been held back by outdated procedures and red tape. 

Today’s decision simplifies business operations, reduces legal complications and creates a more supportive ecosystem for Punjab’s working class. Mr.Bhagat added that the reforms strike the right balance between business ease and worker welfare. 

“The maximum permissible overtime for employees has been increased from 50 hours to 144 hours per quarter. Daily working hours have been extended to 12 hours, including rest time, and any work beyond 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week must be compensated at double the regular rate,” he explained.

In a major boost for small traders, Mr. Bhagat said that commercial establishments employing up to 20 workers will no longer require any government approval to start operations. This decision is expected to benefit thousands of small businesses across the state. 

For commercial units with more than 20 employees, the government has ensured that the necessary permission will be granted within 24 hours—effectively eliminating red tape and speeding up the process. The Minister said these decisions reflect Chief Minister Mann’s clear vision of a corruption-free, business-friendly Punjab. 

By removing unnecessary hurdles and giving freedom to small businesses, the state government has taken another solid step towards strengthening the state’s economy from the grassroots level.