Madhya Pradesh Approves 24/7 Operations

The government of Madhya Pradesh has decided to allow shopping centers, markets, and eateries to operate around the clock. This new system will initially be implemented in cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, Chhindwara, Ratlam, Ujjain, Satna, Singrauli, Katni, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dewas, Morena, and industrial zones like Pithampur, Malanpur, Pilukhedi.

Labour Minister Prahalad Patel has instructed officials to compile a list of establishments that can be allowed to function 24/7. This provision will apply to industrial areas and municipal limits. The plan was initially to launch this system as a pilot project in Bhopal and Indore, with the intention of extending it to other cities later.

Madhya Pradesh has decided to allow Shops, malls, cafes 24x7
Image by Times Of India - India Times

The state government’s decision is driven by the aim to increase GST collection, which stood at only 30% in the fiscal year 2023-24. The expectation is that this move will boost GST collection by 18% through the night marketing system. The conducive law and order situation in Madhya Pradesh also supports this initiative. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this will stimulate job creation and enhance traders’ profits.

The Labour Department has prepared a blueprint for this initiative. As per the plan, the market will operate in three shifts, each lasting 8 hours. No permission will be granted for working more than 48 hours a week, and wages will be determined based on an 8-hour workday.

Labour Minister Prahalad Patel stated, “The state government is set to allow shopping centers, eateries, and markets to operate 24 hours in the state. We have instructed officials to identify the establishments that will be granted this permission.”

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