The Maharashtra Assembly today passed the Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill which will enable shops to remain open 24 hours a day. According to the Hindustan Times, the only requirement is that the establishments take permission, which is also available online, from the police. According to the report, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Assembly said, “The permissions will be based on the areas and the locations and the police will decide on the timings based on repercussions on the law and order.”
A statement released by the Ministry of Labour & Employment said that the bill’s provision of operating shops 24X7 would boost the retail market and give the consumers flexibility and convenience to shop anytime. Labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar told HT that apart from the ease of business provided by the bill, workers’ interests will also be catered to. He said that provisions have been made for CCTV installation and ensured that women, working the night shift, will be provided night drops.