The Government of NCT of Delhi has introduced significant changes to the Delhi Shops & Establishments Act, 1954 through the Amendment Act of 2026. This legislative update, published in the Delhi Gazette on 11 March 2026, aims to modernize workplace norms and enhance protections for employees, especially women and young workers.
Applicability Threshold Raised
The Act now applies only to shops and establishments employing 20 or more employees, narrowing its scope and focusing compliance efforts on larger entities.
Revised Definitions and Age Criteria
The minimum age for employment has been raised from 12 to 14 years, aligning with national child labor norms and reinforcing protections for young persons.
Changes in Working Hours
- Daily Limit: Increased from 9 to 10 hours, inclusive of rest and lunch breaks.
- Weekly Limit: Raised from 54 to 60 hours, with a new quarterly cap of 144 hours on aggregate overtime.
- Rest Interval: Employees must receive a break after 6 hours of continuous work (previously 5 hours).
- Spread-over Limit: A uniform cap of 12 hours now applies to all establishments, replacing differentiated limits.
Women’s Employment in Night Shifts
Women can now be employed during night shifts with written consent, subject to seasonal timings:
- Summer: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
- Winter: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM
Mandatory safeguards include:
- Written consent from women employees
- CCTV surveillance, security, and transport
- Minimum of two women per night shift
- No employment for six weeks post childbirth or miscarriage
- Full compliance with the POSH Act, 2013
Implementation Timeline
The amendments will come into force on a date to be notified separately by the Delhi Government.
Implications for Employers
Employers must revise HR policies, shift schedules, and compliance documentation to reflect:
- New working hour limits and overtime caps
- Night shift protocols for women
- Updated age criteria and spread-over limits
The 2026 Amendment Act reflects Delhi’s commitment to safer, more equitable workplaces. Businesses must proactively align with these changes to ensure legal compliance and foster employee well-being.
Notification : Delhi Shops & Establishment Amendment 2026