The Odisha Legislative Assembly has passed a major reform aimed at transforming the state’s urban commercial landscape. The Assembly gave its nod to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Amendment Bill, which will allow shops and commercial establishments in designated smart cities to operate round-the-clock.
The move, championed by the state government, is seen as a crucial step towards fostering a 24×7 economy, boosting employment opportunities, and streamlining business operations for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia emphasized that the amendment is expected to significantly generate new jobs and modernize the state’s retail and service sectors.
Focus on Worker Welfare and Women’s Safety
While ushering in extended business hours, the bill places strong emphasis on labour rights and, critically, the safety of women employees. Key provisions ensuring worker welfare include:
- Capped Working Hours: Weekly working hours for employees are strictly capped at 48 hours, balancing productivity with worker protection and preventing exploitative practices. Daily work shifts are limited to 9-10 hours.
- Voluntary Night Shifts for Women: No woman can be compelled to work during night hours; participation must be strictly voluntary and subject to her written consent.
- Mandatory Safety Measures: Employers are mandated to provide adequate security and ensure dignity at the workplace. For female employees working late, mandatory GPS-enabled transportation facilities must be provided.
Key Details on Scope and Significance
What Types of Organizations/Shops Can Open 24×7?
The amendment applies to shops and commercial establishments located within the state’s designated smart cities. This includes a broad range of businesses within the retail and service sector that fall under the purview of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.
While the exact list is broad, this typically covers:
- Retail stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants, cafes, and eateries
- Service providers (such as IT offices, call centers, and service outlets)
- Entertainment and leisure venues
The actual 24×7 operation of clubs and pubs remains unclear. While these establishments are commercial entities under the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, their core function—the sale and consumption of alcohol—is strictly bound by the separate and more restrictive Odisha Excise Act and Rules. These Excise rules typically dictate fixed closing times that effectively override the general 24×7 permission for liquor service.
Significance for the Capital City (Bhubaneswar)
As the capital city and a prominent smart city, Bhubaneswar stands to gain the most from this reform. The user rightly identified this as a necessary and “big thing” for the city due to several reasons:
- Economic Boost: Allowing continuous operation is expected to significantly increase trade volume and attract further investment, aligning Bhubaneswar with metropolitan cities across the country and the globe that already have a functioning night economy.
- Enhanced Convenience: It will greatly improve convenience for residents, tourists, and working professionals who require services outside traditional business hours.
- Job Creation: The shift to round-the-clock operations will necessitate hiring additional staff, leading to a substantial increase in employment, particularly in the evening and night shifts.
- Modernization: It modernizes Bhubaneswar’s commercial landscape, supporting its identity as a leading hub for commerce and services in eastern India.
