In a move aimed at ensuring worker welfare and adherence to statutory requirements, the Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a directive emphasizing the need for all shops and commercial establishments in the Union Territory to observe the mandatory “Close Day” as stipulated by Section-13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops & Establishment Act, 1966.
According to the circular, every registered shop or commercial establishment in Jammu and Kashmir is required to remain entirely closed on one day of the week as the designated “Close Day”. However, it has come to the notice of the Labour Department that most shop and establishment owners do not comply with this provision, thereby violating the J&K Shops & Establishment Act, 1966.
The Labour Commissioner’s directive further clarifies that Section-13 of the Act prohibits employers from calling employees to work on the designated “Close Day” and from making any deductions from their wages on account of the mandatory day off.
To ensure strict compliance, the Labour Commissioner has impressed upon all shop and establishment owners in Jammu and Kashmir to observe the mandatory “Close Day” as per the Act. The Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) of each district have been instructed to monitor the implementation of Section-13 and initiate appropriate legal action under Section-38 against any violators.
The circular emphasizes that this directive is issued in the interest of worker welfare and to uphold the statutory requirements under the Jammu and Kashmir Shops & Establishment Act, 1966. The ALCs have been directed to submit an action taken report to the Labour Commissioner’s office by the 3rd of every month.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s move to enforce the mandatory “Close Day” is a significant step towards ensuring fair labor practices and safeguarding the rights of workers in the retail and commercial sectors. By strictly implementing the provisions of the Shops & Establishment Act, the Labour Department aims to create a more equitable and employee-friendly work environment across the Union Territory.