24X7 operations: Traders call for pilot project

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 29

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) today said the government’s decision to allow round-the-clock operations of shops and other business establishments was bound to pose several threats to the trading community. It has suggested that before implementing the decision, a pilot project in any one big market should be conducted for its impact assessment.

The CAIT said a study must be done to understand the quantum of increase in the footfall in markets if shops are open in the night viz-a-viz establishment expenses. It said perhaps the decision of the Supreme Court not allowing any activity beyond 11 pm might have escaped the attention of the authorities which have prepared the law.

CAIT national president BC Bhartia and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said the decision to allow business establishments to remain open 24x7 would have far-reaching consequences in terms of law and order, environment, health, social and family issues.

They said: “Even in the day working hours, the law and order situation is not so good. What will happen when shops and other business establishments remain open throughout the night? Will the law enforcing agencies be able to provide enough security to markets? It is a known fact that both life and property is at stake, especially if shops are open in night.”

Khandelwal said asking the labour to work round the clock was another problem. The existing format of small businesses does not allow them to arrange different shifts of the labour and if it is so, it will bring extra financial burden on the traders. They said it may also have adverse effect on the health of people since round-the-clock working was against the basic fundamentals of health.