Silchar: In a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, the Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approves the 24/7 shop operations in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar.
Shops in these cities can now operate round the clock, while businesses in other areas are allowed extended operating hours, ensuring that worker rights and conveniences are not compromised.
The move follows a cabinet meeting aimed at boosting Assam’s economy by promoting 24/7 business. The Assam cabinet has approved the operation of shops and establishments in municipal areas of three major cities in the state.
Under this approval, establishments in municipal areas or along state highways can operate until 2:00 a.m. However, establishments in districts and on minor roads, other than municipal corporation areas and national highways, can operate until 11:00 p.m.
Assam Cabinet Approves 24 Hours Shop Operation in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar
The cabinet hopes to modernize Assam’s economy and accelerate business growth, which will create more job opportunities for the state’s residents, aligning with global business and labor trends.
Additionally, the new rule addresses labor working conditions by limiting adult workers’ working hours to 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week. It also highlights that workers should not be required to work continuously for more than 5 hours without a 30-minute break.
Any working hours exceeding 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week will be considered overtime. The total overtime hours for an individual cannot exceed 125 hours in a 3-month period.
Furthermore, the rule ensures that all other worker safeguards under the act will remain in place.
However, this 24/7 working hours policy does not apply to liquor shops and bars in the state.