CHENNAI: In a major relief to consumers, shops will function round the clock in the Tamil Nadu. The State government has issued an order permitting all the shops and establishments to remain open 24 hours, initially for a period of three years, with certain riders.
A Government Order permitting shops and establishments to remain open 24 hours, all days of the year was issued on Thursday.
Prior to passing this order, only certain establishments like IT companies, hospitals, pharmacies, and factories could function round the clock all through the year. According to Ravi, president, Chennai Hotel Association, he viewed this development in a positive light for the hoteliers and traders alike.
"For over 20 years we have been fighting to get this permission and a case was also filed in the Madras High Court, as some shopkeepers are asked to shut shop by the police after 10 pm. Henceforth there will be an increase in our income and we will make necessary arrangements for additional staff, night shift to provide freshly cooked food and refreshments in the wee hours as well," he added.
The government order (GO) also lays emphasis on safety of women employed in these units. According to the GO, every employee shall be given a weekly holiday on rotation basis while the respective employer exhibits details of the employees who are on leave. It also warned of action against those employers who make employees work after their duty hours. For women employees, it said they would not be required to work beyond 8 pm on any day “in normal circumstances. “However, the employer can allow her to work between 8 pm and 6 am after obtaining a “written consent” from the woman staff. Transport arrangements shall be provided to women employees who work on shift basis and a notice shall be exhibited at the main entrance of the establishment indicating availability of transport, it said. Employees shall be provided with basic amenities including restroom, washroom and safety lockers, it said. The G.O. also directed the employer to set up an Internal Complaints Committee against sexual harassment of women under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Following a proposal by the Labour Commissioner to run shops in Tamil Nadu on 24x7 basis, the government decided to allow all shops and commercial establishments to remain open on all days of the year. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, the Governor allowed shops and commercial establishments, employing 10 or more persons, to remain open 24x7 on all days of the year for a period of three years with effect from date of publication of the notification, the order added.
