Kolkata: The state will amend the existing West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act, 1963, to enable shops, restaurants, offices, logistics services and hospitality establishments to operate 24×7.In the state budget placed in the Assembly on Monday, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta said appropriate amendments would be made to the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act, 1963, to allow round-the-clock operation while ensuring strong labour safeguards by bringing amendments and reforms. The present form of the Act restricts shops from operating beyond prescribed hours resulting in underutilization of commercial infrastructure, reduced employment opportunities and lower economic productivity.“This reform will lead to an increase in overall economic activity while positioning Bengal as a modern, investment-friendly state. We will implement the proposed reforms in a pilot mode in Kolkata and major urban centres before statewide expansion. Overall, a well-regulated 24×7 economy can transform Bengal’s urban centres into higher-employment, higher-revenue, safer and more economically dynamic regions while maintaining labour protections and social safeguards,” Dasgupta announced.The labour department has issued a notification, permitting 24×7 operations, subject to compliance with labour welfare, employment and workplace safety conditions. The permission was granted for three years from the date of notification on May 29, 2026.The permission applies to establishments, employing 20 or more people. Employers are required to ensure every employee receives the prescribed weekly holiday and appoint additional staff, where necessary. Overtime is capped at 144 hours per quarter. Any unauthorized work on holidays or beyond normal duty hours, without proper record or authorization, may invite penal action under the Act and applicable rules.Special safeguards were prescribed for woman employees, including mandatory transport arrangements for shift duties, provision for a resting space, washrooms, safety lockers, medical facilities and other amenities. Establishments employing women are also required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.Mall operators hailed the announcement, terming it progressive. “This reform can provide a strong boost to retail, hospitality, employment and overall economic activity. For a Kolkata, safe, reliable and affordable public transport late at night and early in the morning will be critical. Better mobility will support employees and customers, helping create a vibrant, 24×7 economy and positioning Bengal as a modern, business-friendly state,” the South City Mall management said in a statement.Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India president Sudesh Poddar said the move would give a fillip to business establishments, offices, malls and multiplexes, boosting the economy. “The hospitality industry as well as the gig worker economy will benefit as well,” he said.Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA) president Sushil Poddar welcomed the move: “This will provide immense flexibility to us.”BOX
