Wed Jan 07 09:12:53 UTC 2026: # Delhi Government Proposes Controversial Amendments to Labor Laws

The Story:

The Delhi Government is proposing amendments to the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, that could significantly impact labor rights in the city. A draft of ‘The Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026,’ accessed by The Hindu, is expected to be tabled by Law Minister Kapil Mishra during the current session of the Delhi Assembly. The proposed changes include limiting the Act’s applicability to shops and establishments with 20 or more employees, potentially stripping protections from a large segment of the workforce. The bill also seeks to increase daily and weekly working hours.

Key Points:

  • The Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, excludes shops with fewer than 20 employees from the Act’s ambit.
  • The existing 1954 Act applies to all shops and establishments regardless of employee number.
  • The proposed bill increases the maximum daily working hours from 9 hours (with mandatory half-hour break after 5 hours) to 10 hours (inclusive of rest and lunch breaks).
  • The bill increases the maximum weekly working hours from 54 hours to 60 hours.
  • The Bill also proposes to make amendments to allow women to work in night shifts, which was already done by an official notification last year.

Critical Analysis:

Given the timing of this bill, it’s important to consider what is happening to workers outside of Delhi. The reports from Karnataka seem to indicate heightened tensions and potential clashes related to political activity. While the Delhi bill itself doesn’t directly reflect this political unrest, it is important to monitor to see if the new labor law changes in Delhi will also incite protests and civil unrest.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed amendments could significantly reduce labor protections for workers in smaller shops and establishments in Delhi.
  • The increase in working hours raises concerns about potential exploitation and worker burnout.
  • The amendment regarding night shifts for women, while presented as progressive, could also introduce new challenges regarding safety and security.
  • Labor unions and experts are concerned about the potential negative impact of the bill on workers’ rights.
  • The bill’s progress through the Delhi Assembly will be closely watched by labor advocates and employers alike.

Impact Analysis:

The passage of this bill could have long-term implications for the labor landscape in Delhi. If enacted, it could set a precedent for other states to amend their labor laws, potentially leading to a nationwide erosion of worker protections. The increased working hours may lead to a decline in worker health and productivity, while the reduced coverage of the Act could create a vulnerable class of workers without adequate legal safeguards. Further study into the possible long-term and far-reaching impacts of this law will be needed.

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