Employment to increase with new law which allows malls, cinemas to stay open 24×7

It was Prime Minister Modi's vision to employ the poor man and engage the people in increasing the productivity of the country. The vision is close to realization as a new law has been passed through for the very same purpose. A model law that allows shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments, to run 24& times 7 throughout the year received Cabinet assent today. The law covers establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units and will provide freedom to operate 365 days with flexibility on timing to open and close. It also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate security and calls for better working conditions for employees such as drinking water, canteen, first aid, lavatory and creche. “ The Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Bill 2016 has been cleared by the Cabinet,” a source said. The model law will not require Parliament's approval. It will help in generating additional employment as shops and establishments will have freedom to operate for longer hours round the year, thus requiring more manpower. As per the proposal mooted by the Labour Ministry, the model law can be adopted by states with a provision of modifying it as per their requirements. The law also provides exemption to highly-skilled workers like those in IT and bio-technology from daily working hours (9 hours) and weekly working hours (48 hours). This is designed to bring in uniformity in legislative provisions, making it easier for all the states to adopt it and ensure uniform working conditions across the country. The Centre has been receiving suggestions from time to time to enact the model law, which the states could consider for enforcement either by adopting the central law or necessary modification by the state law.

OUR TAKE

The law is perfectly thought of. More working hours translates into more labour. More labour will mean higher employment which means higher growth. But there are some practical difficulties which the government will have to face. Some of them are safety, especially women safety and moreover the threat of people engaging in illegal activities. If the government tackles these problems, the policy will work lawlessly and serve the purpose.