Latest news with #PunjabAmendmentAct
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chandigarh takes a cue from Pb, Hry models, proposes amendments to labour laws
1 2 Chandigarh: The Chandigarh administration proposed amendments to existing labour laws, submitted to the ministry of home affairs, to streamline compliance, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster a business-friendly ecosystem while prioritising worker welfare. "To empower the business community and enhance Chandigarh's competitiveness, the administration proposed amendments under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, drawing inspiration from Punjab and Haryana's progressive models," said a UT spokesperson. In the Factories Act, 1948 (Extension of Haryana Amendment Act, 2018), the administration recommended increasing the threshold. "Raises the applicability threshold from 10 to 20 workers (with power) and 20 to 40 (without power), exempting smaller units from complex compliance requirements and reducing operational costs," said the spokesperson. Further, UT sought to allow night shifts for women. "UT proposed women to work night shifts with enhanced safety protocols, enabling industries to leverage a diverse workforce and operate round-the-clock." UT proposed extended overtime hours. "The quarterly overtime limit from 75 to 125 hours should be increased, providing businesses with greater operational flexibility to meet production demands," the UT proposed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Compounding of offences should be introduced wherein provisions to settle minor violations without lengthy legal processes should be done, which will save time and resources for businesses. Amendments in the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 (Extension of Punjab Amendment Act, 2020) are sought to increase the applicability threshold from 20 to 50 workers, easing regulatory requirements for small and medium enterprises, allowing them to focus on growth and innovation. Similarly, changes in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Extension of Punjab Amendment Act, 2020) are sought to elevate the applicability threshold from 100 to 300 workers, streamlining dispute resolution processes and reducing compliance burdens for larger businesses. Amendments were proposed in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (New Amendment for Chandigarh) to amend Section 22 to replace "Public utility service" with "Public Utility service and all industrial establishments," ensuring smoother operations across all industrial sectors and minimising disruptions. "These proposed reforms are designed to create a dynamic, investor-friendly environment in Chandigarh by reducing compliance costs: Higher thresholds and simplified regulations lower operational costs, particularly for small and medium enterprises. It will enhance operational flexibility. It will promote inclusivity allowing women in night shifts, expands the workforce, addressing skill shortages and fostering inclusive growth. Streamlining legal processes and boosting competitiveness," said the spokesperson. MSID:: 122073091 413 |
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
Bishnoi interviews: 5 Pb cops withdraw lie-detector consent
1 2 3 4 5 Mohali: Five Punjab Police constables have withdrawn their consent to undergo a lie detector test in connection with an investigation into the filmed interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in police custody. The officers — Simranjit Singh, Harpreet Singh, Balwinder Singh, Satnam Singh and Amritpal Singh — had agreed to the polygraph test initially, and a Mohali court had granted permission. However, they later filed a revision petition, claiming their consent had been obtained under duress. Based on their arguments, the Mohali additional sessions judge stayed the earlier order permitting the tests, pending further proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to April 28, with notices issued to the state govt and directions for the station house officer (SHO) concerned to appear. The lower court's record has also been summoned. Advocate Sultan Singh Sangha, appearing for the constables, argued that senior police officers had exerted pressure on the five men to give consent. He claims that a senior IPS officer of additional director general of police (ADGP) rank was present in the courtroom when the consent was recorded. Sangha further submitted that the officers had received notices summoning them to appear before the special investigation team (SIT) on April 5, "adding to the coercive environment". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The officers filed affidavits along with their petition, withdrawing their earlier consent formally. The case stems from an April 19, 2025, order by a local Mohali court to allow polygraph tests for six Punjab cops, including assistant sub-inspector Mukhtiar Singh and the five constables. The officers, all posted at the CIA (crime investigation agency) staff unit in Mohali, were linked to the unauthorised filming of Bishnoi's interviews while he was in custody. In the earlier order, the judicial magistrate first class (JMIC) noted that voluntary consent was mandatory for scientific tests such as polygraphs, and the officers' agreement had been recorded duly. Senior officers, including ADGP Neelabh Kishore of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, had been present at the proceedings. The polygraph test was meant to be used in cases registered under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections dealing with extortion, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy, as well as under the Prisons (Punjab Amendment Act), 2011.
