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New Delhi: In a major boost to the night-time economy of national capital Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday approved 155 shops and commercial establishments to operate 24X7, reported news agency PTI. PTI quoted the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Tuesday as saying that the approval has been given by the Chief Minister and the file has been sent to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for his opinion whether he disagrees with the decision of the elected government.
The Delhi government aims to create more employment opportunities, protect workers’ rights and boost the local economy by allowing 24X7 operations for a new set of business applicants, the statement said. It also said that the extended operating hours will ensure that residents of Delhi have access to essential goods and services at any time of the day or night.
The decision comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost the business environment in the capital city. A total of 523 shops have been permitted to operate round the clock in the last two years. This marks a significant departure from the previous trend, where only 269 establishments were allowed such exemptions over a long period of 68 years spanning from 1954 to 2022.
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While in the year 2022, 313 applications were approved. And from the year 2023 till date, 55 number of applications have already been approved.
The Government has exempted the applicants from Section 14, 15 and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954. All these three sections collectively prohibit the hiring of night shift workers and impose related rules on the opening and closing hours of commercial establishments and on holidays. , the statement said.
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The Delhi government has completely digitized the application process, ending the “inspector raj”, the statement said.
Traders will not be required to visit government offices and their applications will be processed with verification and on-site inspection within four weeks of submission.
If an application fails to get approval, the government gives an opportunity to the applicant to rectify his deficiencies as per the prescribed parameters and seek approval again.
