Himachal Pradesh has amended its labour laws to permit shops and commercial establishments across the state to operate round the clock, a move aimed at providing greater flexibility to businesses and convenience to consumers. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu following a review meeting of the Labour and Employment Department.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the state government has introduced amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, and its associated rules. These changes are intended to facilitate a more effective implementation of the law throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Business Flexibility and Consumer Convenience
The revised provisions grant shops and commercial entities the liberty to extend their operating hours indefinitely, allowing for continuous business activity. Chief Minister Sukhu stated that this measure is expected to foster greater operational adaptability for businesses and enhance the shopping experience for the public, enabling them to make purchases at times that suit their schedules.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to digital governance, directing the Labour and Employment Department to fully digitize all its services. This includes the process for issuing certificates and licences, with the objective of simplifying procedures and eliminating inconveniences for citizens seeking these essential documents.
Welfare Schemes and Employment Initiatives
Officials were instructed to ensure that the benefits of various state-sponsored welfare schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries without delay. This directive underscores the administration’s focus on the equitable distribution of social support programs.
Addressing employment generation, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the ongoing initiatives under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana-2023. Through this scheme, unemployed youths are being provided with a 50 per cent subsidy for the procurement of e-taxis. This program aims to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation solutions while fostering self-employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister announced plans to extend this subsidy to an additional 500 youths in the financial year 2026-27 for the purchase of e-taxis. A budget provision of Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for this purpose, signaling a sustained commitment to the scheme.
Furthermore, during the current financial year, approximately 500 youths are slated to receive a 50 per cent capital subsidy, disbursed directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), for the acquisition of e-rickshaws. This initiative is designed to support the burgeoning e-rickshaw sector and create avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
These policy adjustments and employment-focused schemes are part of the Himachal Pradesh government’s broader strategy to boost economic activity, enhance the ease of doing business, and generate employment opportunities for the state’s youth. The relaxation of operating hours is anticipated to stimulate commercial dynamism, particularly in sectors that benefit from extended service availability.
The Chenab Times News Desk