The government introduced the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act to maintain the proper functioning and operation of a business. Under this act, all the SSI and MSME businesses under an unorganised sector need to get a registration.

For this purpose, it may have to approach the state's Labour department to grab proof of its existence. To learn more about this act and how to carry shop and establishment registration in Delhi, follow this piece till the end.

Every shop and establishment operating in India must register itself under the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act before the expiry of 30 days of starting a business. It not only acts as proof of a commercial business but is also important for getting permits, licences, certificates and other documents.

Registration under the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act is mandatory for all shops and commercial establishments. It lists the work hours in Delhi, rules relating to the employment of young people, children and women, holidays available for shops and establishments in Delhi, etc.

The process to carry out this registration process online is as follows:

Step 1: Search for the online form (Form A) on the official website of the Department of Labour Government of Delhi.

Step 2: Fill in the form by entering information in the required column and also refer to the Delhi shops and establishment rules, 1954.

Step 3: Upload the soft copy of documents this site requires and submit it along with the form on the website itself.

Step 4: Once the chief inspector receives your application, he or she begins with verification.

Step 5: If the inspector is satisfied with the information available in the form, he or she issues the registration certification mentioning the clear owner of a shop or establishment in Delhi.

The following are the documents required for shop and establishment registration in Delhi:

• PAN card, Aadhar Card or Voter Card.
• Photograph of both shop and owner.
• Utility bill of the establishment (like electricity bill).
• Property paper (if you own it).
• Rental agreement (if you rent it).

The Government of Delhi also allows shop and establishment owners to track their registration status online.

So, follow these steps to find out the status of your application after you have completed your Delhi shops and establishment registration process:

Step 1: Go to the official site of the Delhi government offering to track your application option.

Step 2: A window will appear where you may need to select your department name, application form, application number, and your name.

Step 3: After filling out the columns, mention your security code and tap the search button. The status will appear on your screen.

The validity for Delhi shops and establishment act registration certificates lasts only 21 years. After this, you will have to renew your shop and establishment licence within 30 days.

The following are the rules of Delhi shops and establishments that every owner or renter must know about before applying for registration:

• Short Title: Here the title of the rules can be called Delhi Shops and Establishment Rules 1954.
• Definition: The definition denotes the following unless otherwise mentioned:
  • Form denotes a form attached to these rules.
  • Section refers to a section of an act.
  • Act means Delhi Shop and Establishment Act 1954.
  • Schedule denotes a schedule attached to these rules.
  • Words or expressions appearing in the Act but whose definition is not provided under the rules will contain the same meaning as in the act.
• Manner of Registration and Issuance of Registration Certificate: On receiving the statement receipt and application fee, the chief inspector shall verify the correctness of the applicant's statements. After satisfaction, he or she shall register the shop or establishment as an inappropriate part of the Registration of Establishment under Form 'B' and hand over the registration certificate.
• Issue of Duplicate Certificate: In case the registration certificate gets lost or mutilated (either issued or renewed) officer may issue a duplicate registration certificate under Form C mentioning 'Duplicate' on the application applied by the occupier of an establishment and after payment of ₹ 3.
• Form for Changes and Fees: Suppose a change is to be made in a statement mentioned in the registration certificate. In that case, the occupier must notify the chief inspector in Form 'D.' The occupier must do it within 15 days after a change takes place. Later he or she must send it to the chief inspector along with a fee as prescribed in Schedule II.

It is not only a requirement to follow Delhi Shops and Establishment Act registration procedure but also a benefit for all occupiers. It gives legal status to establishments in society and enables them to enjoy many opportunities that initiate development.

Other benefits are as follows:

• It is easy for business entities to open a current account without presenting additional documents like a licence.
• With such an important document in hand, it gives employers peace of mind that the rights and well-being of employees are preserved, and they have the required safety in the health and finance sector.
• This certificate helps avoid unethical business practices as it has a strong provision against child labour.
• As the certificate imparts a legal status to entities, it solidifies its market position. This, in turn, helps in building its target audience's trust.
• The certificate pays special attention to company policies. Thus, ensuring enforcement of better holiday and wages terms.