Rajasthan Assembly Approves the Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aiming to enhance employability and protect children's rights. Learn how these changes will impact the commercial sector and labor regulations.
Key Takeaways
The Bill extends daily working hours from nine to ten hours.
It raises the apprenticeship age from 12 to 14 years.
Children under 14 are prohibited from working in commercial establishments.
Night work for adolescents aged 14 to 18 is banned.
The Bill aims to improve the working environment for employees.
Jaipur, March 5 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Assembly has successfully approved the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 through a voice vote on Thursday.
During the discussions regarding the Bill, Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat emphasized that these amendments are designed to enhance the employability and competitiveness of the commercial sector.
Minister Rawat shared that a meeting was convened on June 23, 2025, with various stakeholders—including labor unions, trade organizations, and employers—to draft the amendment Bill.
This Bill will extend the daily working hours in commercial establishments from nine to ten hours, while keeping the weekly limit unchanged at 48 hours.
The minimum uninterrupted working period before a half-hour break has been increased from five to six hours.
He stated that these amendments aim to foster a more favorable atmosphere for trade and commerce, which will allow workers to earn better wages and benefits.
Moreover, the reforms are expected to create additional job opportunities and improve productivity and skill sets.
The Minister also noted that the amendment Act raises the minimum age for apprenticeships from 12 to 14 years, ensuring enhanced protection of children's rights.
Rawat assured that the Bill includes sufficient safeguards for workers' rights.
Additionally, to further safeguard children and promote their educational access, the amendment Bill bans the employment of children under 14 years in commercial establishments, raising the minimum age from the previous limit of 12 years.
Furthermore, adolescents aged 14 to 18 years will not be allowed to work during nighttime in commercial settings; the prior age bracket was 12 to 15 years.
Rawat clarified that the existing regulations concerning women working night shifts in commercial establishments remain unchanged.
Point of View
The passage of the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 reflects an important shift in labor laws aimed at enhancing the commercial sector's viability while ensuring child protection and worker rights. The reforms are a step towards a more competitive and inclusive economy.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main changes introduced in the Amendment Bill?
The Bill increases daily working hours from nine to ten, raises the minimum age for apprenticeships from 12 to 14 years, and prohibits the employment of children under 14 in commercial establishments.
How does this Bill impact children's rights?
The Bill enhances the protection of children's rights by raising the minimum age for employment and prohibiting night work for adolescents aged 14 to 18.
What is the purpose of these amendments?
The amendments aim to make the commercial sector more employable and competitive while improving wages and benefits for workers.
Will the working conditions for women change?
No, the existing provisions regarding women working night shifts remain unchanged.
What consultation process was involved in drafting the Bill?
A meeting with stakeholders, including labor unions and trade organizations, was held on June 23, 2025, to prepare the draft of the amendment Bill.
