NEW DELHI: With the Union Cabinet clearing the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, which enables states to choose to keep shops and other such establishments open 24x7 all through the year, the development has been welcomed warmly across the business sector.
National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) President Riyaaz Amlani said that this was a wonderful progress and asserted that it will go a long way in boosting the Indian economy.
“This is extremely wonderful news and a victory for the NRAI. We have been lobbying hard for the past many years for the freedom of operational timings in restaurants. We are delighted as this will go a long way in boosting the economy and employment in India. We are hopeful that the state and local authorities would cooperate and adopt this model,” Amlani said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) welcomed the Cabinet’s decision, stating that this has been one of the key asks of the FICCI Retail and Internal trade committee for the overall benefit and growth of the Indian retail sector.
“It is a very progressive move, as it would enable states to choose to keep shops and other such establishments open 24x7 all through the year. This would give substantial boost to employment generation and will also benefit the consumers in terms of more convenience and accessibility”, FICCI Secretary General Dr. A. Didar Singh said in a statement.
Earlier today, the Bill was finalised after detailed deliberations and discussions with public through internet and with employees, labour representatives, employers’ associations, federations and State Governments through tripartite consultative process.
The Bill will now be sent to States and Union Territories to enable them to modify their individual Acts, if they so desire either by adopting the said Bill as it is, or after modifying its provisions as per their requirements.
The law will allow shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments to run 24×7 throughout the year. The law covers establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units and will provide freedom to operate 365 days with flexibility on timing to open and close.
It also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate security and calls for better working conditions for employees such as drinking water, canteen, first aid, lavatory and crèche.
The Cabinet also approved the Cadre Review of Group 'A' Executive officers of Central Reserve Police Force, CRPF with net creation of 90 posts of various ranks from Deputy Commandant to Special DG ranks.
After creation of these posts in CRPF, the operational efficiency and capacity building of the Force including its administrative capabilities would be enhanced.
It also approved the signing of a MoU between Union Public Service Commission and Royal Civil Service Commission, Bhutan.
The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between RCSC and UPSC and will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment.
It has also approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Tanzania for bilateral cooperation in water resources management and development.