What are the working hours in Punjab?
In Punjab, shops cap work at 9 hours/day and 48 hours/week under the Punjab Shops & Establishments Act, 1958; factories allow 9 hours/day under the Factories Act, 1948. Overtime is paid at twice the ordinary wage, capped at 50 hours / quarter.
Working Hours Rules in Punjab
Shops & Establishments Act limits for offices, retail, and services.
| Rule | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daily working hours (max) | 9 hours | Beyond this counts as overtime |
| Weekly working hours (max) | 48 hours | Spread across 6 working days |
| Spread-over (max) | 12 hours | Total span including breaks |
| Rest interval | 30 minutes after 5 hours | No continuous work beyond 5 hours |
| Weekly off | 1 day | Paid weekly holiday |
| Overtime cap | 50 hours / quarter | Statutory ceiling on overtime |
| Overtime rate | 2x ordinary wages | Double the ordinary wage rate |
| Night shift (women) | Allowed | With safety, transport, consent |
Source: Punjab Shops & Establishments Act, 1958. Verified as on September 2026. Cross-check the current Punjab Labour Department notification before drafting HR policy.
Shops Act vs Factories Act in Punjab
Factories follow the central Factories Act, 1948. Offices and shops follow the state Shops Act.
| Parameter | Shops & Establishments | Factories |
|---|---|---|
| Daily hours | 9 hours (S&E) | 9 hrs (Sec 54) |
| Weekly hours | 48 hours | 48 hrs (Sec 51) |
| Spread-over | 12 hours | 10.5 hrs (Sec 56) |
| Rest interval | 30 min / 5 hrs | 30 min / 5 hrs (Sec 55) |
| Overtime rate | 2x wages | 2x wages (Sec 59) |
| OT cap | 50 hours / quarter | 50 hrs / quarter (Sec 64) |
OSH Code 2020 - Impact on Punjab
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 will replace the Factories Act and state Shops Acts once notified. It proposes a uniform daily limit, a 125-hour quarterly overtime cap, and double overtime pay. The Code is passed but its rules are not yet in force. Punjab continues under the Punjab Shops & Establishments Act, 1958 and the Factories Act, 1948 until notification.
Track Punjab Working Hours and Overtime
HRMS Software in India applies Punjab daily and weekly caps, flags spread-over breaches, computes overtime at 2x, and keeps Form IX records audit-ready for inspections.