Introduction
Goa Shops and Establishments Act, 1973 has been superseded by the Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2025. The Government of Goa issued a notification on October 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the governance of employment and service conditions in the State’s commercial sector. However, the date for the implementation of the new Act has yet to be announced.
Applicability
It is applicable on all the establishments in Goa having employee strength of 20 or more workers. Under Section 7 the Establishments with fewer than 20 workers must file an online intimation on https://goaonline.gov.in/Appln/UIL/DeptServices?__DocId=LEM&__ServiceId=LEM37.
Key Provisions of the New Act
Section 6: Registration
Within 60 days of initiating operations the establishments must register online and receive a Labour Identification Number (LN).
Section 6(4) Validity and Renewal
The Registration is valid for up to 5 years and requires online renewal. The registration will be considered as approved, if the authority doesn’t process the renewal within 7 working days.
Section 12: Working Hours
- The maximum daily working hours are 10 and weekly maximum of 48 hours per week.
- After 5 hours of work, half-hour break must be given.
- Working hours cannot exceed the 12 hours per day or 14 for intermittent work.
Overtime
Overtime will be paid at double the wages for hours for which the employee has worked beyond the prescribed limit and is capped at 144 hours in a three-month period.
Weekly Off
Establishments must provide at least 24 hours of rest per week, with a compensatory off provided within 2 months if the weekly off is denied.
Section 16: Women and Young Workers
Women can work between 7:00 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. which can be extended with the employee’s consent, provided that safety measures like transport and restrooms are available.
Comparison between the 1973 and 2025 Goa Shop & Establishments Acts
| Feature | Goa Shop & Establishments Act, 1973 | Goa Shop & Establishments Act, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Working Hours | Regulated working hours, but with less detail on daily and weekly caps. | Caps working hours at 10 hours per day or 48 hours per week for adults. Limits work for those under 18 to 7 hours daily. |
| Child Labour | Did not explicitly ban child labour. | Bans child labour. |
| Rest Periods | Required rest breaks and weekly holidays. | Mandates a weekly holiday and rest breaks after every five (5) hours of work. |
| Overtime | Allowed for specific situations like stock-taking with intimation to the Inspector and with overtime wages. | Caps overtime at 144 hours per quarter and requires double the regular wages. |
| Registration Penalties | Penalties for late registration ranged from ₹500 to ₹10,000, with potential for closure. | A 25% penalty fee is charged for late registration in addition to the regular fee. |
| Scope | Applied to all commercial establishments and shops in Goa. | Similar scope but with updated regulations to “streamline procedures” and “facilitate ease of doing business”. |
Comparative Analysis: Goa Shops and Establishments Act (Old vs. New)
| Condition | Goa, Daman and Diu Shops and Establishments Act, 1973 | Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| First Offence | Fine up to ₹250. | Fine up to ₹10,000. |
| Second Offence | Fine not less than ₹500 and up to ₹1,000. | Fine up to ₹20,000 (if it’s the same provision as a prior conviction). |
| Third/Subsequent Offence | Fine not less than ₹1,500 and up to ₹2,000. | Fine up to ₹20,000 (if it’s the same provision as a prior conviction). |
| Continuing Contravention | Failure to possess valid certificate of registration: Further fine up to ₹100 per day the offence continues. | Additional fine up to ₹500 for every day the contravention continues. |
| Obstructing Inspector | Fine up to ₹1,000. | Fine up to ₹10,000. |
| Refusal to Provide Register/Documents | (Not explicitly detailed, likely covered under general contravention) | Fine up to ₹10,000. |
| Accident causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death | (Not explicitly detailed, likely covered under general contravention or separate sections) | Fine not less than ₹25,000 and up to ₹1,00,000 (₹1 Lakh). |
Goa Shop and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Act of 2025 has introduced a significant change as compared to the 1973 Act, primarily by providing more structured and strict provisions on the working hours, enhancing penalties for non-compliance, and formalizing provisions like child labour bans, while the 1973 Act was broader and less detailed. Key differences include the 2025 Act’s new daily and weekly limits on work hours for both adults and minors, a defined overtime payment structure, and the formalization of a weekly holiday and rest breaks.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.