The Government of Andaman and Nicobar, on August 12, 2026, issued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Rules, 2026 to further amend the Andaman and Nicobar Shops and Establishments Rules, 2005.
The following has been stated:
• Shops and establishments may operate 24×7, subject to weekly rest, overtime and prescribed conditions.
• Employment of women during 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM is permitted with safeguards including consent, transport, security, CCTV, rest facilities and compliance with sexual-harassment laws.
• Registration will be processed electronically, with certificates issued without prior approval.
• Provisions have been added to harmonise the Rules with the OSH Code, 2020, including registration and prevention of dual registration.
• For establishments employing 10–19 workers, the OSH Code provisions apply, while separate registration requirements under the existing Rules will not apply.
• The amendments were notified on August 12, 2026, and extend to the entire Union Territory.
[Notification No.: 246/2026/F. No. M-2503973/2/2025-ALC(SA)-LAB_AN]
