CBM rejects Admn proposal to keep shops open 24x7

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 20 

Traders have given thumbs down to the UT proposal to open the market round the clock.

During a meeting held here today, the executive body of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM) rejected the proposal, saying that it was not feasible. Representatives of city market welfare associations attended the meeting and gave their views on the matter.

The UT Administration had sought the views of traders on the proposal to allow shops to remain open 24X7. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Rana had asked the traders to submit their views before taking any decision on the issue.

CBM chairman Charanjiv Singh said a majority of the members was in favour of extending the timings till 10 pm. Most traders run their shops by themselves and don’t have enough wherewithals to keep the establishments open all the time, he added.

Shops are allowed to remain open till 8 pm as per the Shops and Establishment Act. The Administration has already allowed 24X7 shops at certain petrol stations in the city. With an aim to promote ease of doing business, the Centre had asked all states to open the markets round the clock.

CBM president Anil Vohra said city traders raised the issues of security and availability of workforce during the meeting. He said the CBM would now recommend to the Administration to extend the timings till 10 pm and not round the clock.

The Centre has already approved the Model Shops and Establishments Bill, permitting shops, malls, 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. 

Markets to illuminate

Meanwhile, traders have agreed to the UT proposal to illuminate markets for the festival of lights. The Administration has, for the first time, asked shopkeepers to illuminate the markets with fancy lights during Diwali.