Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Government has today passed the Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill which would now enable multiplexes, restaurants, shops business houses that don’t serve liquor to remain open 24/7 throughout the year with easier permission to be obtained online.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the Cabinet has approved the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Emp & Conditions of Service) Bill 2016 which was sent to states and union territories across the state.
The bill has laid down guidelines that can be adopted by the state governments across the nation.
The Shops in Maharashtra are closed by 10 pm, while the Restaurants are closed by 12:30 am and an hour late with police permission.
Other commercial businesses have to close down by 9.30 pm while Paan and cigarette shops have to close down by 1 pm.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the new bill will enable to run the business for extra hours but it definitely requires obtaining Police permission.
CM Fadnavis, speaking on the bill 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,” adding that the norms will be finalized by the Police depending on the location.
Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Labour minister while speaking to HT said, “While offering ease of doing business, we have also ensured the interests of the workers are safeguarded. We have made provisions for strict monitoring of CCTV installation and mandatory night drops for women working the night shift. Establishments that fail to follow these provisions will face strict action.”
The Bill passed will now require clearance from the Legislative council and then will be forwarded to the President of India.
Model Shop Act by the Centre is to ease the business process. The bill passed is certainly in accordance with the Model shop Act. Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to end the Inspector Raj if it gets the required permission from the President.
“This will not only end the inspector raj but also will generate employment. Maharashtra has become first state to adopt the Model Shop Act and this will now pave way for other states to follow the provision we incorporated,” said Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar.