The Shop and Establishment Registration in Maharashtra is governed by the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. It is mandatory for every shop, commercial establishment, hotel, theatre, place of public amusement or entertainment, and any other establishment employing one or more workers to obtain this registration. The objective of the Act is to regulate the conditions of employment, working hours, rest intervals, wages, holidays, and other employment-related aspects in such establishments.
Registration must be obtained within 60 days of commencement of business and is carried out online through the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board portal. The applicant is required to submit documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of address, business PAN, ownership/rent agreement, and photographs. Upon approval, a Registration Certificate is issued, which is generally valid for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years, depending on the fee paid.
Employers are also required to display the certificate at a prominent place in the premises. Furthermore,
establishments must ensure compliance with various provisions of the Act such as maintaining statutory registers, adhering to prescribed working hours, providing mandatory holidays, and ensuring worker safety and welfare. Non-compliance may attract monetary penalties and prosecution under the Act.
The 2017 Act is progressive in nature and promotes ease of doing business by enabling digital registration, self-certification, and electronic maintenance of records. It covers both organized and unorganized sectors and seeks to create a balanced framework between employer obligations and employee welfare.