What is the Shop & Establishment License?

The **Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958**, along with its associated rules, governs the functioning of shops and commercial establishments within the state. The Shop & Establishment License is a legal requirement for businesses covered under this Act.

It aims to regulate aspects such as:

• Working hours and holidays
• Opening and closing hours of establishments
• Payment of wages
• Leave policies (earned leave, casual leave, sick leave)
• Employment of women and children
• Health and safety measures
• Cleanliness and ventilation

This license provides a legal identity to the establishment and ensures that the employer complies with various labor laws and regulations, safeguarding the rights of employees.

Compliance with the Shop & Establishment Act is crucial for all commercial entities.

Who Needs a Shop & Establishment License in Haryana?

Virtually every business operating from a physical premise in Haryana, unless specifically exempted, needs this license. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Shops: Any premises where goods are sold either by retail or wholesale or where services are rendered to customers.
• Commercial Establishments: Establishments involved in banking, insurance, stock exchange, brokerage, or any clerical work, accounting, or similar activities. This also includes offices of advocates, tax consultants, and similar professions.
• Restaurants, Hotels & Cafes: Places offering food, drink, or lodging.
• Theatres & Cinemas: Places of public amusement or entertainment.
• Other Places of Public Amusement/Entertainment: Including clubs, parlours, etc.
• Warehouses & Godowns: Used in connection with any trade or business.
• Any other premises: Which are used for business, trade, or professional activities.

Exemptions: Usually, government offices, offices of local authorities, and some specific charitable institutions may be exempted. Always verify with the latest rules for exact exemptions.

The license is mandatory, irrespective of whether the establishment has employees or not (for sole proprietorships, it acts as a basic business registration).

Application Process for New Registration

The application for a new Shop & Establishment License in Haryana is primarily done online through the **SARAL Haryana portal** or the **Labour Department's online services portal**.

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the SARAL Haryana portal or the Haryana Labour Department online services.
2. Register/Login: If you are a new user, register on the portal. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
3. Select Service: Search for "Registration of Shops and Commercial Establishments" or "Issuance of Shop & Establishment Certificate".
4. Fill Application Form:
   • Provide accurate details about your establishment: Name of establishment, address, nature of business, number of employees, working hours, weekly off days, etc.
   • Provide proprietor/owner details.
5. Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents (see "Required Documents" section below).
6. Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed registration fee online. The fee varies based on the number of employees.
7. Submit Application: Review all details carefully and submit the application. An **Application ID / Acknowledgement Number** will be generated. Save this number.
8. Verification: The application will be scrutinized by the Inspector/Officer from the Labour Department. Field inspection might be conducted.
9. Issuance of License: Upon successful verification and approval, the Shop & Establishment License will be issued. You can download the digitally signed certificate from the portal.

The license is typically issued for a specific period (e.g., 5 years or 10 years), after which it needs to be renewed.

Renewal of Shop & Establishment License

The Shop & Establishment License needs to be renewed before its expiry date to ensure continuous compliance. The renewal process is also online.

1. Login to Portal: Access the same SARAL Haryana or Labour Department portal where you initially applied.
2. Select Renewal Service: Look for "Renewal of Registration of Shops and Commercial Establishments."
3. Enter Existing License Details: Provide your old license number or establishment ID.
4. Update Information (if any): If there are any changes in the establishment's details (e.g., number of employees, address), update them in the form.
5. Pay Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable renewal fee online.
6. Submit Application: Submit the renewal application.
7. Receive Renewed Certificate: Upon approval, download the renewed digitally signed certificate.

It is advisable to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the expiry date to avoid penalties.

Required Documents for Registration/Renewal

The documents generally required for new registration and renewal are:

• Proof of Identity of Applicant/Owner: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport.
• Proof of Address of Establishment:
  • Rental Agreement (if rented)
  • Sale Deed / Property Documents (if owned)
  • Electricity Bill (Latest)
• Passport-size Photograph: Of the applicant/proprietor.
• Nature of Business: Brief description of the business activity.
• Number of Employees: Details of male and female employees.
• Partnership Deed / MOA / AOA: For partnership firms, LLPs, or companies (if applicable).
• Bank Account Details: Of the establishment.
• Cancelled Cheque: For bank account verification.
• Previous License Copy: Required for renewal applications.
• Aadhaar Card of all Employees: (Some states require this, check latest Haryana rules).

Always keep original documents ready for verification if requested.

Checking Application Status

You can easily track the status of your Shop & Establishment License application online:

1. Via SARAL Haryana:
   • Visit saralharyana.gov.in.
   • Click on "Track Your Application Status."
   • Enter your Application Reference Number/ID.
   • The status (e.g., submitted, under processing, approved, rejected) will be displayed.
2. Via Haryana Labour Department Portal: The Labour Department's online services portal may also have a direct link to track the status of applications submitted through their system.

This online tracking system provides transparency and keeps applicants informed.

Official Resources & Helplines

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Shop & Establishment services in Haryana, consult these official sources:

• Labour Department, Haryana:
  Official Website: hrylabour.gov.in
  This is the primary department responsible for the Act. Look for sections on "Acts & Rules" and "Online Services."
• Haryana Labour Department Online Services:
  Direct Link: hrylabour.gov.in/online-services
  For direct access to application forms and services.
• SARAL Haryana Portal:
  Official Website: saralharyana.gov.in
  Integrated platform for various government services, including Shop & Establishment.
• Toll-Free Helpline:
  • SARAL Haryana Helpline: 0172-3968400
  • Check the Labour Department's website for any specific helpline numbers related to Shops & Establishments.
• Labour Commissioner Office / District Labour Offices: These offices at the district level can provide direct assistance and clarification.

Always rely on official government websites and contact numbers for reliable information.