Soon Do 24x7 Shopping In Chandigarh: Administration Seeks Inputs To Allow Shops To Remain Open Round-The-Clock

The Chandigarh administration has sought a view from the traders over the proposal to allow shops to remain open round the clock, reports The Tribune.

The Shops and Establishment Act at present allow the shops open till 8 pm. The administration has already allows shops attached to the petrol stations to remain open 24X7.

As per the report, while a majority of officers agreed to the proposal, security concerns have been raised by the police. All concerned departments were later asked to seek the views of stakeholders.

Charanjiv Singh, Chairman of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, said they would hold a joint meeting of all representatives of the markets. He said the issue involved many things, such as security and availability of the workforce.

The Centre has already approved the Model Shops and Establishments Bill, which permits malls, shops, restaurants, banks and cinema halls to choose their hours of operation.

It was aimed at ensuring uniform working conditions across the country, improving ease of doing business and generating employment opportunities.

Harish Garg, president, Confederation of All-India Traders here, said limiting the hours of operation for small shops put them at a disadvantage because commercial establishments in malls have the benefit of staying open on all days and for extended hours. He said it would also increase employment opportunities.