Overview of the Shops & Establishments Act

The Nagaland Shops & Establishments Act, 1986, is a state legislation that regulates the working conditions and rights of workers in shops, commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, and places of public amusement. It is mandatory for every business owner, regardless of the number of employees, to register their establishment with the Department of Labour, Nagaland. This registration is a legal requirement for formalizing the business and is essential for opening a business bank account or obtaining further licenses.

Application Process (Offline)

The application for a Shop & Establishment License in Nagaland is primarily an offline process. The application must be filed within 30 days of the commencement of the business. Follow these steps:

1. Obtain Form-B: Download or obtain the prescribed application form, `Form-B`, from the official website of the Department of Labour.
2. Fill the Form: Accurately fill out `Form-B` with all the required details about your establishment, including the name, address, nature of business, and number of employees.
3. Pay the Fee: Pay the requisite registration fee at a Government Treasury under the "Head of Account '0230'-L&E". You must obtain the original Treasury Challan.
4. Submit the Application: Submit the filled-out `Form-B` along with all the supporting documents and the original Treasury Challan to the `Chief Inspector of Shops & Establishment` or the officer authorized in your area.
5. Receive Certificate: After verification, the registering authority will issue a certificate of registration in `Form-B` Part II.

Required Documents for Registration

When applying for a new Shop & Establishment License, you must have the following documents ready:

• Duly filled `Form-B` application.
• Original Treasury Challan for the fee payment.
• Proof of identity of the proprietor/partners/directors (PAN card, Aadhaar card).
• Proof of address of the establishment (e.g., rent agreement, electricity bill, or property tax receipt).
• Details of all employees.
• In case of a company or partnership, the Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed.

Fees and Renewal of License

The fees for registration and renewal are based on the number of employees and are specified in the `Nagaland Shops & Establishments Rules`. The registration certificate is valid for a certain period and must be renewed before its expiry date to avoid penalties. The renewal process also requires the submission of a new application in `Form-B` along with the original Treasury Challan for the renewal fee.

Important Official Portals and Contact

• Department of Labour, Nagaland: The main departmental website for information and rules. https://labour.nagaland.gov.in/
• Nagaland Shops & Establishments Act, 1986: The official document detailing the act. Download Act & Rules
• Labour Commissioner Office:
  • Address: Office of the Labour Commissioner, Kohima, Nagaland
  • Phone: 0370-2244246
  • Email: lab.nagaland@gmail.com

It is essential to consult with the Department of Labour or a local legal expert to ensure full compliance with the Act's provisions.