However, the latest set of rules and regulations does not apply to liquor shops across the state. This means that they will have to abide by the existing regulations and shut down by 10 pm.
A government official said on Saturday that the new law applies to all establishments with more than 10 employees in Chhattisgarh, PTI reported.
The State Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, along with the 2021 Rules, further notify the registration fees that range between ₹1,000 and-₹10,000 depending on total number of employees. This is after a hike from ₹100 to ₹250 earlier.
Chhattisgarh Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan shops in the state will now be allowed to operate round the clock, thereby “fostering a business-friendly environment.”
“Women employees will also be permitted to work at midnight. The reform is expected to boost employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth, aligning with our vision of transforming Chhattisgarh’s cities into metro-style urban centres,” India Today quoted Dewangan as saying.
An official told PTI that before this, shops and establishments had to remain shut at least once a week on a compulsory basis.
Under the new measures, employers have to maintain an e-record of their respective employees. An annual report in this regard will have to be submitted on the online portal by February 15 on an annual basis.
“All shops and establishments need to get registered within six months of the implementation of the new Act,” the news agency quoted the official as saying.
Shops that are already registered can obtain the Labour Identification Number (LIN) within six months, without paying for any extra cost.
Also, it has been decided that the registration of shops and establishments in Chhattisgarh will now be taken care of by the Labour Department. Previously, it was done by civic bodies in the state.
Before this, the 24-hour operation rule was restricted to urban municipal areas. Now, the revised policy goes on to benefit several small organisations in the state that have a minimum of 10 employees.
Chhattisgarh’s latest decision is expected to bring ease of business for the sector, besides ringing in special benefits to small traders as flexibility in timings will accelerate business activities.
