Ease of doing business and employment will receive a boost, state revenue will increase.
Raipur, February 20, 2025/ The new Shops and Establishments Act implemented by the Chhattisgarh government is receiving widespread support from the business community and citizens. This historic decision will significantly contribute to increasing employment opportunities, facilitating business operations, and strengthening the state’s economic condition. In particular, allowing shops to operate without time restrictions will make business more convenient for traders and provide better facilities to consumers. However, this act will not apply to liquor shops.
Business and employment opportunities will get a new impetus.
This government decision is a revolutionary step to promote ease of doing business. The new rules ensure relief for small shopkeepers, simplification of the registration process, and better protection of employees’ rights.
Pre-registered shops will have to apply for a Labour Identification Number (LIN) within 6 months, but no additional fee will be charged for this. If applied after 6 months, the fee will be mandatory as per the rules.
Freedom to operate shops 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Under the new act, traders will now be free to open their shops seven days a week and 24 hours a day. However, this decision will entirely depend on the traders’ wishes. This initiative will increase business activities, creating new employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy.
Previously, it was mandatory to keep shops closed one day a week, but this restriction has now been removed. However, the government has ensured that employees are given weekly leave and that no employee is made to work for more than 8 hours.
Protection of workers’ rights a priority.
Along with granting business freedom, the government has also paid special attention to protecting the rights of workers. Shopkeepers will be required to continue to comply with all provisions related to labor welfare. This includes mandatory provision of weekly leave, no employee can be made to work for more than 8 hours, and compliance with labor welfare schemes must be ensured.
A strong step towards economic empowerment.
This Act gives new dimensions to the state’s economic activities while providing maximum freedom and convenience to traders. Its effective implementation will not only increase business dynamism in Chhattisgarh but also increase state revenue.
This step by the Chhattisgarh government is not only a major reform for trade and industry but also lays the foundation for a strong and inclusive economic system.