Delhi: Businesses can now remain open 24×7, over 300 applications cleared by L-G
Starting next week, businesses across various sectors in Delhi, including restaurants, transportation services, BPOs, and online delivery services, can operate 24×7, following the approval of the proposal by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The decision grants exemptions to 314 establishments, some pending since 2016. The Lieutenant Governor has directed that the necessary notification be issued within seven days.
The exemptions, falling under Sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Delhi Shops & Establishment Act, 1954, are expected to stimulate employment generation and create a positive business environment essential for economic growth. Additionally, it is anticipated to enhance the city’s ‘night life.’ Interested establishments can apply online to obtain these exemptions.
Under the original Act, Section 14 prohibited the employment of women or young individuals between 9 pm and 7 am in Delhi. Section 15 granted the government the authority to determine opening and closing times, initially set at 9 am to 7 pm in a 1979 notification. Section 16 mandated establishments to remain closed for one day per week. In 2004, amendments extended the opening time to 11 pm, but this was not mandatory, and the requirement for shops to remain closed one day per week was relaxed.
The official stated that exemptions under Sections 14, 15, and 16 enable commercial establishments to operate 24×7, subject to certain conditions ensuring the welfare of labor and security.
Over the past five years, both the Delhi government and the DDA Masterplan have advocated for a “24×7 Delhi.” However, the approval process for exemptions faced issues, with the Labour Department receiving applications but not processing them in a timely and fair manner, leading to a backlog. The Lt. Governor expressed concern over the delay, adhocism, randomness, and unjustified discretion in the department’s handling of these applications.
Out of the total 346 pending applications, some dating back to 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, a significant number had not been processed on time, indicating potential corrupt practices. The Lt. Governor directed the Labour Department to ensure timely processing of applications, establish transparent and effective monitoring mechanisms, ascertain reasons for delays, fix responsibilities, and take appropriate action against officials responsible for the delays.
