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In a bold move aimed at boosting economic growth and employment opportunities, the Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has introduced a significant policy change allowing shops, restaurants, cafes, and parlours to operate 24/7. However, liquor shops are excluded from this reform and must close by 10 PM. This progressive step not only extends business hours but also promotes women’s employment during night shifts, creating a transformative shift in the state’s economic landscape.
Policy’s Goal: Urban Transformation and Economic Growth
Cabinet Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan highlighted the policy’s broader objective of transforming Chhattisgarh’s urban areas to mirror the vibrancy of metropolitan cities. The reform is expected to provide small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those with ten or more employees, greater flexibility in operations. Previously, 24-hour operations were restricted to urban municipal areas, but this change expands those benefits across a larger spectrum of businesses.
Business Registration Shifts to the Labor Department
As part of the administrative restructuring, the responsibility for establishment registration has now been shifted to the Labor Department. Businesses must comply with revised registration fees ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the size and scale of the establishment. Moreover, businesses already registered under ESI and PF schemes must acquire a labor identification number (LIN) within six months, ensuring a smooth transition into the new regulatory framework.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
While the business community, led by Chamber of Commerce President Amar Parwani, has welcomed the reform as a catalyst for economic growth, opinions are divided. Restaurant owners have voiced concerns about the practical sustainability of extended hours, citing operational costs and customer demand during late-night hours.
Similarly, women employees working night shifts are apprehensive about safety concerns, given the limitations of public transportation, particularly in Raipur, where bus services do not operate around the clock. These reservations highlight the need for infrastructure improvements, such as reliable public transport and enhanced police presence, to ensure the safety and well-being of employees working late-night hours.
Future Success Hinges on Infrastructure Improvements
Local business leaders stress that for the policy to achieve its intended metropolitan aspirations, comprehensive support in terms of infrastructure is crucial. The success of the 24/7 operations policy will rely heavily on implementing robust logistical solutions, including enhanced public transport services and increased police surveillance to address safety concerns.
While the reform presents exciting opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s businesses, the focus now shifts to ensuring that these changes are supported by the necessary infrastructure to create a safe and sustainable business environment.
This landmark policy has sparked vibrant discussions among stakeholders, with its effectiveness in balancing economic growth and urban transformation while addressing safety and logistical challenges remaining a key focus of future evaluation.