Chandigarh: Nearly two years after the Chandigarh administration allowed commercial establishments to operate round the clock, 179 units have registered with the UT and submitted undertakings to comply with prescribed norms.According to official records, most of the registered establishments comprise eating joints, food kiosks, confectionery shops, hotels and restaurants. While most of these are located in core urban sectors, many have also come up in village areas.Sources said the large number of food-related outlets reflects demand patterns, with many such establishments operating from booths and SCOs in commercial hubs. “These units are spread across the city, though many are concentrated in the northern sectors,” said a UT official. Some standalone shops are also registered under the 24×7 policy.“We are encouraging people to register for 24X7 commercial operations under ease of doing business in the city. Women’s safety and adherance to labour laws are two key aspects under this initiative, which we are fully ensuring by coordinating with the department concerned, including the Chandigarh Police”, said Nishant Kumar Yadav, DC/labour commissioner.Revised work hoursIn June 2024, the UT labour department issued guidelines under the ease of doing business initiative, allowing shops to remain open round the clock, subject to labour law compliance. In March this year, the department amended key provisions related to working hours.Under the revised norms, employees cannot work more than 10 hours a day or 48 hours a week, compared to the earlier cap of nine hours a day. The maximum spread-over has also been increased from 10 hours to 12 hours.Officials said the facility is restricted to establishments registered with the labour department and compliant with safety and welfare conditions. It does not extend to bars and liquor vends, which remain barred from operating 24×7.Traders said the benefit of round-the-clock operations has largely accrued to food outlets, as late-night footfall in the city remains limited. “Restaurants and eateries are seeing some gains, but other businesses don’t have enough night demand to sustain extended hours,” said a trader.Despite this, the administration maintains that the initiative has helped improve business flexibility and offered consumers more options, particularly in high-activity pockets and transit zones.Box: Key areas with 24×7 operational shopsSector 22Sector 38Sector 35Sector 7Sector 15Sector 26Sector 19Sector 32Sector 23Sector 8Sector 9Sector 21Sector 34Sector 11Sector 41Sector 47Sector 10Sector 46ManimajraElante MallKhuda LahoraDariaDhanas
