NT Reporter
Panaji
Better working conditions are in the pipeline for employees in shops and commercial establishments across Goa, as the government proposes capping the normal workday for daily wage workers at eight hours.
Under the draft Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026, the working hours for employees paid on a non-daily basis must not exceed 48 hours a week. The draft states that every employer must display Form-E on a noticeboard, outlining daily working hours, rest intervals, and weekly holidays.
The draft states that establishment premises must be kept clean, well-ventilated and well-lit. Employers must ensure clean toilet
facilities.
Furthermore, employers must maintain registers and records detailing the number of workers, attendance, wages, overtime, advances, fines, deductions, and wage slips, in line with the Goa Code on Wages Rules, 2026.
Every employee is entitled to a leave book recording sanctioned earned leave, as well as applications granted or refused. The employer must retain a duplicate copy of this book.
Owners of shops and commercial establishments must preserve all employee records for five years and produce them whenever requested by a facilitator-cum-inspector. The government has invited suggestions and feedback on the draft rules for 15 days before they are notified.
