Dibrugarh: Market, retail and commercial establishments across Tinsukia have been advised to remain open on Sundays to improve public convenience, particularly for tea garden workers and other employees whose weekly holiday falls on that day.The advisory was issued by Tinsukia DC Sumit Sattawan on Tuesday after representations were received over the practice of keeping shops and commercial establishments closed on Sundays in different parts of the district. The advisory said such closures were causing inconvenience to people who depend on Sunday as their weekly day off.It said Sunday is generally the only weekly holiday available to many tea garden workers, govt employees and employees of private establishments. The closure of markets and retail outlets on Sundays prevents them from buying essential commodities, household items and other personal requirements, often forcing them to take leave on working days to complete their shopping.The district administration said shops and commercial establishments may remain closed on days other than Sunday, subject to the Assam Shops and Establishments Act, 2022, and the rules framed under it. However, every worker must be given the prescribed weekly holiday or rest day as required under the applicable provisions.In view of public convenience and the welfare of the tea garden community, working class and other residents, all market, retail and commercial establishments have been advised to remain open for business on Sundays “as far as practicable”.The administration also suggested that market and trade associations may, through mutual consultation, decide on a suitable weekly closure day on another weekday, such as Wednesday, wherever required. Such arrangements must comply with the Assam Shops and Establishments Act, 2022, and other relevant laws and rules.The advisory urged market associations, trade associations, shop owners and commercial establishment owners across Tinsukia to cooperate with the initiative. It said the arrangement would provide greater convenience to people whose weekly holiday falls on Sunday and help ensure the smooth functioning of local markets and the local economy.
