Leave In Lieu Of Working On Independence Day (in Retail Industry)

Sales professionals in the organized retail sector are expected to work even on Independence Day. Can they claim a comp-off or leave in lieu of that? Also, can anyone address the following labor terms and conditions for the organized retail sector in India (Pune to be specific):

1. Working hours
2. Late hours for women
3. Provision of general public holidays (Generally, the private sector has 10 public holidays like Diwali, Independence Day, etc.)
4. Provision of leave (How many leaves is a person entitled to in a month or year)

Many thanks!
Kunal

An individual working on a public holiday is expected to receive a compensatory holiday, which is mandatory. The matters related to holidays, late working for women, the number of permitted leaves, etc., are to be determined in accordance with the Shops and Establishments Act (State Act) of your state and the standing orders of your company. There cannot be a uniform pattern for these. However, women shall not be allowed to work between 7 pm and 6 am unless adequate transport facilities and safety are provided.

An organization employing 100 or more workers is supposed to have certified Standing Orders of its own, where all these matters, such as hours of work, weekly holidays, holidays, leaves, etc., need to be clarified. For a small organization, though it is not mandatory, it is always desirable to have a set of rules similar to standing orders.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K