Open House: What steps should admn take to encourage shopkeepers to keep their units open round-the-clock?

A progressive city beckons residents

Chandigarh is a capital city but shops are not open 24×7 here like in other capital cities so, to bring about a change in the system the Chandigarh Administration has allowed the shopkeepers to open their shops round-the-clock. To implement this, security provisons need to be enhanced. Installation of CCTV cameras would ensure that is no crime . Moreover, subsidies should be given on water and electricity so that shopkeepers are not afraid of having heavy bills burning a hole in their pockets. In my opinion, the steps listed above will certainly make the city more advanced.

Himanesh Rana, Chandigarh

Need for lively night bazaars, food fests

Organise lively night bazaars, cultural events and food festivals late at night. This will increase foot traffic and create a lively environment, encouraging shop owners to stay open. Address safety concerns by improving street lighting, deploying security personnel and installing surveillance systems. Financial incentives can encourage owners to work longer hours. Joint marketing efforts can increase foot traffic while benefiting both retailers and restaurants. Highlight Chandigarh’s distinct charm after sunset. Let’s transform Chandigarh into a bustling 24-hour city!

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Have a three-month trial run first

The decision received a lukewarm response because the administration did not properly prepare before announcing it. It will increase the workload for law enforcement agencies. As a result, increased staffing, particularly in the police department, is required to maintain law and order. All strategic locations in the marketplace must have PCR vans stationed. The electricity department will have to ensure that there are no power outages. Despite all precautions initially there should be a trial run for at least three months.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Illegal structures should be demolished

Due to the city’s current lack of night shopping and mall culture, the new initiative will necessitate a significant amount of administrative effort. The 24×7 operation of shops necessitates fool-proof security for the shops, customers and the public. The shops should be well-lit and safe, with public transport available if needed. The presence of food courts would be an added benefit for customers, allowing them to shop and dine simultaneously.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Need to improve public spaces

The UT Administrator’s decision to allow shops and commercial establishments to open round-the-clock is a positive step because will allow customers to visit shops when it is convenient for them. Footfall will increase as the youth increasingly are looking for a vibrant nightlife culture. However, there is a need to provide and upgrade CCTV coverage around shops and commercial establishments. Police officers patrolling in civilian clothing must be careful. Electricity, water and firefighting systems must be improved, as well as proper parking spaces should be ensured.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Security situation will become more complex

The move will undoubtedly benefit traders and nightlife enthusiasts alike. But, yes, the security scenario will become more complex. Police must make additional arrangements to manage the night crowd, traffic flow, and other security concerns. Hooliganism after nightclub parties may cause problems for local residents. The administration must make solid arrangements for traders. Campaigning for the 24-hour opening of a business establishment in Chandigarh must go on air to attract customers. To make the scheme viable, the administration may have to lower or waive parking rates and other fees for overnight customers.

Wg Cdr js minhas, Mohali

Address pending issues first

It has come to our attention that there is debate over the demolition of buildings that have stood for more than 15 years. It is critical that Chandigarh residents address and resolve any outstanding issues from the past without conflating them with current concerns. The issue at hand is not simply the availability of 24-hour shops, but the critical importance of ensuring the security and safety of all city residents. It is critical to consider the risks and consequences of a city that lacks quality of life and adequate support for its residents.

Abhishek Sharma, Chandigarh

Promote stress-free work culture

The UT Administration’s proposal to approve round-the-clock shops and commercial establishments is a next step in the development of the city beautiful. To release the burden on the shopkeepers, more employment should be encouraged, for thriving stress-free in the extended hours.

Parisha Khatri, Chandigarh

Overhead expenses will multiply

The decision to open shops round-the-clock has been taken in haste and has rightly received criticism from many quarters. It has many adverse repercussions including security, mental and physical health of the operators, enhanced overheads like power bills, salaries and wages for the proprietors. Thus, it should be made optional for the shopkeepers and not mandatory.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Admn needs to roll out incentives

Opening shops and commercial establishments 24×7 in Chandigarh is a laudable step. To encourage this initiative, the administration needs to offer incentives such as concessions in electricity charges for night-time operations, enhanced security in market areas and reduced cab charges in the Tricity. This move is essential, especially as many IT parks and establishments operate around-the-clock, benefiting working couples who juggle busy schedules. These measures will not only boost the economy but also cater to the convenience and safety of consumers.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

There are other ways of boosting economy

It is really strange to note that the administration is not at all concerned about the social life of the business community. States and towns are already facing power shortage. Rather than reducing commercial timings, they are bent upon destroying the life of businesspersons and the labourers. Lesser the commercial timings, more is the productivity, lower is the consumption of electricity. It is perhaps one of the silliest policy being announced.

Arun Jain, Chandigarh

Might lead to drunk hooliganism, brawls

This decision has posed a significant challenge for the Chandigerh Municipal Corporation and the police, which will require additional manpower and resources to provide round-the-clock security in almost every market in the city. The MC will also have to provide 24×7 parking facilities in the markets. The sanitation and water supply will also require additional staff and equipment. Some police officials are not happy with the decision, stating it will add to the burden on them to maintain law and order in the busy city. There is a potential of increase in petty crimes like snatchings and brawls.

Vijay Malia, Chandigarh

Police will need to be more proactive

The security concerns of patrons of these shops need to be addressed on high priority by the SHOs by detailing additional police manpower for the night shifts. The PCR vans need to be at the beck and call to ensure a sense of security especially amongst women. The municipal corporation should detail sanitation workers round-the-clock to ensure hygiene and sanitation of the public facilities. This will not only encourage the shop owners to keep their shops open 24×7 but will also motivate the clientele to turn out in large numbers even at odd hours.

Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Decision aligns with modern lifestyles

The decision is likely to usher in a new era of economic growth and convenience for traders and consumers alike. The extended operating hours will offer multiple benefits like increased business opportunities since traders can now cater to a larger customer base, including late-night shoppers and working professionals who find it difficult to shop during regular hours. Shoppers would now enjoy greater flexibility, which aligns with modern lifestyles and the growing demand for round-the-clock services. The extended hours are expected to generate more employment opportunities as businesses will require additional staff to manage the extended operations.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

City culture doesn’t need this change

Chandigarh is medium-sized city and the capital of two states. The majority of residents are government employees. By the virtue of their jobs they are privileged with a 9 to 5 working day. Consequently, they have enough time to shop their essential items during the day and would not take risk to move out with family during late hours for the purpose. Miscreants are usually expected to be active during the night. Therefore, the police personnel will have a tough time managing security. It will definitely enhance the burden on the workers because they may face to feel pressure to work extra hours. Therefore, the current city culture hardly need such a change.

Surinder Paul Wadhwa, Mohali

Ensuring female staff safety a must

First and foremost, the administration should ensure the safety of shop owners and especially the female staff. It should make proper arrangements to pick and drop the staff working at the establishments after the night shifts. The administration must roll out some incentives not only for the sellers but also for the buyers to boost up the sales.

Savita Kuthiala

Might not be viable for public logistics

The introduction of shopping malls has had a significant impact on business in shopping plazas and other commercial centres. The administration’s proposal to open shops 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the city does not appear to be very appealing to both businesses and customers. Shopkeepers who already have a low customer inflow will have to hire three shifts of employees, incur additional power and maintenance costs, and worry about security for both themselves and their customers. The idea may not be economically viable for business establishments or public logistics during odd hours.

SS Arora, Mohali

Move could disturb night-time peace

It is going to lead to more law and order problems as anti-social elements will have an excuse to venture out in the night on the pretext that shops are open. Moreover, the traders are also not going to gain anything as there will be additional costs to keep the shops open 24×7. This will include electricity bills, additional manpower and demand for increased wages. Further, the opening of shops all through the night is also going to disturb the peaceful atmosphere at night, which may lead to disturbed sleep, anxiety, stress, etc. So the decision is not in the public interest and should be shelved immediately!

Dr Anil Yadav, New Chandigarh

Could address uemployability

Chandigarh, as a Union Territory, is considered among our country’s most developed cities. To maintain peace and prosperity and to grow economically, allowing shops to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a special emphasis on public security, police deployment, and camera installation could financially assist many unemployed people in the beautiful city. Furthermore, subsidising water and electricity for shopkeepers could be a great way to motivate people. Finally, commercials and advertisements to disseminate more information could improve, change fate and provide financial assistance to the city’s youth.

Ruhin gupta, Chandigarh

Restaurants should hold more events

The real question is what steps will encourage the owners to keep their shops open round-the-clock? In my view, first of all, the government should ensure their safety. Restaurants and hotels should include more activities for entertainment of their clientele which will attract more customers, encouraging them to open their outlets round-the-clock.

Anaya sharma, Chandigarh

Dissuading anti-social elements will be a task

Chandigarh is neither overcrowded nor does it have heavy tourist influx. Consequently, round-the-clock opening of shops would require more police and security personnel for maintaining law and order, traffic regulations and keeping check on the anti-social elements. Parents too will be anxious if their wards hang about after midnight. Larger business houses can manage human resources but small business owners will suffer. Instead, the time of closing of shops can be relaxed.

Amita

Employ marketing to attract customers

The administration should provide tax breaks, subsidise utilities and implement stronger security measures. Starting a marketing campaign to attract night-time customers, organising late-night events and providing financial assistance to the staff can all help motivate the owners. Collaborating with delivery services will also encourage shopkeepers adopt the 24×7 model.

Gaganpreet singh, Mohali

Question for next week

Many private and government houses have gates on their rear boundary walls in defferent sectors, which is in violation of building bylaws. What measures should the UT Administration take to address the issue?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com