The Rajasthan Assembly approved the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 through a voice vote. Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, while responding to the discussions, highlighted that the amendment aims to enhance the competitiveness and employability of the commercial sector. The Bill extends the daily working hours in commercial establishments from nine to ten hours, maintaining the weekly limit at 48 hours.
The Minister mentioned that a meeting was conducted on June 23, 2025, involving various stakeholders such as labour unions, trade organizations, and employers to formulate the draft of the amendment Bill. One of the key changes introduced by the Bill is the extension of the minimum continuous working period before a half-hour break from five hours to six hours. These amendments are expected to foster a favorable environment for trade and commerce, ensuring improved wages and benefits for workers.
Furthermore, the reforms are anticipated to create more job opportunities, enhance productivity, and develop essential work skills. The amendment Act also raises the minimum age for apprenticeship from 12 to 14 years to safeguard children’s rights effectively. To protect children’s rights and promote education access, the amendment prohibits the employment of children under 14 years in shops and commercial establishments, previously set at 12 years. Moreover, adolescents aged 14 to 18 years are restricted from working at night in commercial establishments, a change from the previous age bracket of 12 to 15 years.
Rawat clarified that there are no alterations to the existing provisions concerning women working night shifts in commercial establishments.
