10 shops, commercial units to open 24x7 in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, July 5
Ten registered shops and commercial establishments have expressed willingness to operate their units 24×7 in the city.
In a move aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business for shopkeepers and traders in the city, the Labour Department had issued a notification allowing shops and commercial establishments registered under the Punjab Shops & Commercial Establishments Act 1958 to operate 24×7 throughout the year without requiring specific permission from the Labour Department.
To ensure effective implementation of this notification, the Labour Department has issued standard operating procedures (SOP).
Vinay Pratap Singh, Secretary-cum-Commissioner, Labour Department, has clarified that the extended operational hours are voluntary, but not compulsory for shopkeepers and traders. Only those shops and commercial establishments registered with the Labour Department can avail of this facility.
He said multiple teams from the Labour Department had initiated an awareness campaign in various markets to explain the SOPs for extended operational hours.
He said 10 registered shops and commercial establishments had submitted self-undertakings on the online portal of the Labour Department – labour.chd.gov.in, confirming that they had made necessary arrangements as per the notification to stay open during extended hours.
These shops, primarily in the grocery and food business, are located across different parts of the city. The list of shopkeepers and traders opting for extended hours has been shared with the area SHO to ensure the safety of staff and customers. The list has also been shared with the Municipal Corporation to ensure cleanliness and waste management during the extended hours, he added.
To facilitate and raise awareness among interested shopkeepers and traders, the Labour Department has formed teams of six Labour Inspectors and supporting staff. Awareness meetings have been scheduled in the coming weeks. Complaints about violations of rules can be made to the Labour Department at alcld-chd@chd.nic.in or via contact number 0172-2679000.
