New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday proposed allowing small and medium shops (dukaan) to open all through the week on voluntary basis as part of simplification of rules for the sector to create more jobs, a move hailed by retail players.
Jaitley said the government plans to circulate Model Shops and Establishments Bill which the state governments can adopt on voluntary basis in order to boost the retail sector, which is the largest service sector employer in the country. “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,” he said. Jaitley, however, said the interest of the workers in terms of mandatory weekly holiday, number of working hours per day have to be protected.
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Business/2016-03-01/Dukaan-to-open-on-all-days/210661