For 24X7 shops, look at the other side of midnight

The proposal of keeping shops open round the clock in the city is not feasible due to administrative reasons. In the present scenario and as per the strength of police officials, the UT Administration has been unable to tackle burgeoning crime. Moreover, it will not be in the interest of the people, who will have to bear with a spurt in sound pollution. Here it needs to be kept in mind that people have not raised any such demand. The presents arrangement should not be disturbed just to please a few traders. 

Shashi Kumar Sharma, Chandigarh

Will not pay rich dividends  

The idea of allowing the shops to remain open round the clock doesn’t hold any weight. No resident will go for shopping at midnight. There seems to be no urgency to stress the workforce unnecessarily. Electricity consumption will also increase.   Moreover, it will not fetch great returns.  However, medical shops can be allowed to remain open round the clock. It would immensely help patients and their attendants. 

Rashi Srivastava, Chandigarh

Will make shopping convenient     

Traders should be allowed to operate round the clock as it would make shopping convenient and ease the parking problem. Residents will be able to visit the markets as per their own convenience. Further, traders will also have more time to meet challenges put by the online shopping sites. 

Sarabjit Singh, Chandigarh   

A boost to economic activity in city

Chandigarh is one of the best places to enjoy nightlife in the country. In this direction, the opening of shops round the clock is a welcome step. Mohali and Panchkula should follow suit. This will increase economic activity, generate revenue and create more jobs. It will also help tackle traffic woes. But before implementing the idea, the Administration should provide adequate security arrangements with good transport facilities. Round-the-clock air connectivity will help increase revenue from trade.

Col Balbir Singh Mathauda (retd),Chandigarh

May cause law & order problems

No benefit will be achieved by opening shops round the clock. Instead, it will cause law and order problems. Safety of women will be compromised. When shop timings were imposed in 1958, the businessmen raised a hue and cry. The same people are praising the then Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon, who implemented the rule. 

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh 

Introduce it on an experimental basis 

The proposal of the Chandigarh Administration to allow traders function round the clock will be conducive for city residents if sufficient security arrangements are made and the public transport system is improved. On an experimental basis, a few departmental stores, located in leading shopping centres, may be encouraged to operate round the clock. The malls, reputed  restaurants,  big chemists and service stations for vehicles should be allowed to remain open at night. It will create employment opportunities. 

Bhupinder S Sealopal, Mohali

Thought lacks insight

The proposal by the UT Administration lacks insight. It is neither feasible nor desirable. Keeping the shops open round the clock will invite multiple troubles. It would not be of any advantage to anyone. Instead, it will increase crime. The only relief it may bring is from congestion on city roads. 

RPS Chopra, Mani Majra 

Greed behind proposal

The  demand to allow the opening of shops round the clock is guided by greed, not welfare or convenience of people. Who wants to shop or eat at 3 am? It will lead to a spurt in crime, creating more noise pollution and increasing the consumption of electricity and water. In short, woes of Chandigarh residents will increase. The idea should be rejected outrightly. It is the last thing a smart city should do.

 Colonel RD Singh, Ambala Cantt

Will harm small businesses 

I feel the opening of shops round the clock will not be a good move. This involves many complexities. The first issue to security needs. It will increase crimes like road rage, snatching or robbery. The police have also pointed this out. 

The move will harm small shopkeepers. Only big establishments will reap the benefit. These will eat into the business of small shopkeepers. 

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

Will add to noise, air pollution in city

The implementation of the idea will have wider ramifications. It will require more security cover, adequate water and power supply. The increase in power demand will force people to rely on diesel generator sets, resulting in an increase in  noise and air pollution. The best idea will be to allow the shops to operate all seven days from 9 am to 10 pm.

SS Arora, Mohali

Give relaxation to limited number of shops initially 

With an improvement in air connectivity and popularity of taxi service, the Administration has been tempted to think of opening shops 24X7. Before extending this facility, the Administration should take into account its ramifications. Initially, the authorities may allow grocery stores, tea and coffee shops to operate round the clock.

Harish Kapur, Chandigarh

Not in people’s interest

The proposal of the Chandigarh Administration is not going to yield any significant benefit. All needs of city residents are well served under the current system. However, some flexibility can be considered in timings. Moreover, such a move will increase crime. Medical shops and other establishments providing health-related services may be allowed to operate round the clock for the welfare of patients. 

Rajendra Kumar Garg, Zirakpur 

Good idea but prevent exploitation of workers 

The proposal of the Chandigarh Administration should be allowed as it will not only enhance the income of shopkeepers but will also be helpful to those who spend their whole day in offices. It will help them make purchases at odd hours. Most big cities like Delhi and Mumbai already follow this practice. However, the  Administration should make sure that workers are not exploited as they may be forced to work for longer hours.  

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh  

Beneficial for big establishments only

The proposal may go down well with malls, hotels and other big establishments but may not find favour with small businessmen as this will impact their family and social life. It will also impact their health. Such a decision will be hard to implement as the city lack infrastructure, skilled workforce, and adequate security arrangements for making the idea a success. Moreover, people now prefer to make purchases online to avoid the rush in markets and congregation on city roads.  

Jagdishpal Singh Kalra, Chandigarh

City lacks facilities 

The idea is beneficial from the point of view of tourism. It will attract more business and create employment opportunities but the main problem is that the city lacks infrastructure for its implementation. Ensuring proper security cover will be a tedious task. 

Sukhpal Singh, Chandigarh 

Withdraw proposal 

Allowing shops to operate round the clock will only increase the crime rate. The security of women will be compromised. The Administration should drop the idea. However, timings for shops can be relaxed. Traders may be given more working hours.  

Tarlok Singh, Mani Majra 

Keep present arrangement intact

It’s an absurd idea to allow shops to operate round the clock. This will not help residents in any way. It will only create a nuisance. It will also increase chances of robberies. Miscreants may be on the prowl. Opening of shops for about 8-10 hours as of now is sufficient for people to make their purchases. 

 Sanjay Chopra, Mohali 

Traders will be able to earn more

The idea mooted by the Chandigarh Administration should be hailed by all. It will not only increase profits of traders but will also be convenient for city residents. This idea can be implemented without any problem. The authorities should go ahead with the proposal.

Tilak Raj Laroiya, Chandigarh  

Launch pilot scheme first

The proposal of keeping shops open round the clock should be welcomed. The idea can be initially floated on a pilot basis in Sectors 15,17,19, 22 and Mani Majra. After observing the results, it can be implemented in the entire city.  

Brijinder Singh Wazir, Panchkula

Stick to present system

Shopkeepers should not be allowed to operate round the clock. Already, they are not following the rules and keep their shops open even after the permitted timings. Moreover, the move will spell safety issues. Employees too will be exploited as they will have to work longer. The present arrangement is sufficient. 

IPS Anand, Mani Majra 

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