Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 is a legislation of the State Government of Maharashtra to regulate conditions of work in shops, commercial establishments, residential hotels and clubs, restaurants, eating houses, theatres and other places of public amusement or entertainment. As a note of caution, we must mention that this Act is applicable only in the State of Maharashtra. Other Indian States may have similar Acts enacted. It would therefore be important to ascertain the facts in other Indian States in this matter and comply accordingly.
The employer of an establishment has to apply to the Inspector of the local municipal area concerned along with the prescribed fees for getting the establishment registered under the Act.
In accordance with Section 26 of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 read with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2018 effective from March 23, 2018, every employer is required to submit an Annual Return as at December 31, 2019, in Form R with the local Municipal Office which is based on the location of the office and jurisdiction applicable. Ideally this return is to be electronically submitted within 2 months of the close of the year i.e. before February 28, 2020. However, the website of the Municipal Corporation does not provide an option for submission of this return, thus it is to be physically submitted at the local municipal corporation office. Avail an acknowledgement for records.