Aimed at boosting the retail trade and employment, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in his General Budget 2016-17 on Monday announced the proposal of small and medium shops having the option of rem
Aimed at boosting the retail trade and employment, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in his General Budget 2016-17 on Monday announced the proposal of small and medium shops having the option of remaining open on all days of the week. Noting that retail trade is the largest service sector employer in the country, the minister said many more jobs can be created in this sector, provided the regulations are simplified.
“If shopping malls are kept open all seven days of the week, why not the small and medium shops These shops should be given the choice to remain open on all seven days of the week on voluntary basis. The interest of the workers in terms of mandatory weekly holiday, number of working hours per day, etc., of course, have to be protected,” Mr Jaitley announced in his Budget speech.
He also proposed to circulate a model shops and establishments bill, which can be adopted by state governments on a voluntary basis. The bill will give shops the choice to remain open on all seven days of the week on a voluntary basis.
The bill, the minister said, will also look into the interests of workers in terms of a mandatory weekly holiday, number of working hours per day, and related matters.
With many small and medium stores already operational seven days a week, the model retail policy will bring about standardisation of state-level reforms and enhance ease of doing business.
