What is a Shop Act Licence in Akola?

A Shop Act Licence is a registration certificate issued by the Akola Labour Department to businesses engaged in retail, trading, services, or manufacturing. It provides legal authorization to operate your business and serves as proof of compliance with state laws regarding working hours, employee rights, and business practices.

This licence is also required for essential operations such as opening a current account, applying for GST registration, obtaining MSME/Udyam certification, and participating in government tenders. Without it, your business may be marked as unregistered under Maharashtra law.

Who Needs a Shop Act Licence in Akola?

All shops, offices, and business establishments within Akola district limits must register under the Shop and Establishment Act. This includes:

• Retail stores and service providers in Akola City, Murtizapur, and Patur
• Private Limited, LLPs, and partnership firms
• Freelancers, consultants, and professionals with physical or virtual offices
• Restaurants, salons, gyms, coaching classes, and small factories

Establishments with up to 9 employees receive an Intimation Certificate, while those employing 10 or more people are granted a full Shop Act Registration Certificate issued by the Akola Municipal Labour Department.

1. Visit the LMS Maharashtra Portal:
   Go to www.lms.mahaonline.gov.in to start your Shop Act Licence Registration in Akola under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017.
2. Create Your LMS Login ID:
   Register as a business owner using your mobile number and email. Verify your account with the OTP and confirm the link sent to your email to open the LMS dashboard.
3. Select “Form A” for Akola Registration:
   After login, click on “Registration – Form A” under the Shops & Establishments section. Fill in your business name, Akola address (Jatherpeth / Ramdaspeth / Murtizapur Road / MIDC), and nature of business.
4. Upload Mandatory Documents:
   Upload clear scanned copies of your Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and Address Proof (Rent Agreement, Light Bill, or Property Tax receipt). Make sure the address matches your Akola business location.
5. Pay the Government Fees Online:
   The Shop Act Licence fee in Maharashtra varies based on the number of employees: ₹759 for 0 staff, ₹959 for 2–9 employees, and ₹2500 for 10+ employees. Payment can be made directly through the LMS payment gateway.
6. Track Application Status:
   After submission, your file will show as “Under Scrutiny.” Revisit the portal to track the progress until it changes to “Approved” or “Completed.”
7. Rectify Any Rejection Notes:
   If the officer marks your file as rejected, check for remarks like wrong address or unclear scans. Upload the corrected documents and resubmit for re-approval.
8. Download Akola Shop Act Certificate:
   Once the status shows “Completed”, click “Download Certificate” to get your official Shop Act Licence (Gumasta Certificate) in PDF format.

In Akola, every business establishment — from a small Kirana store to an IT office — must obtain a Shop Act Licence before commencing operations. This certificate is not only mandatory for compliance but also helps in building business credibility and eligibility for various financial and government benefits. With ProCA, Akola entrepreneurs can complete their LMS Maharashtra registration within minutes, fully online.