Chhattisgarh Goes 24/7: Shops, Cafes Can Now Stay Open All Night
Chhattisgarh Allows Shops, Cafes to Stay Open 24/7 & Women to Work Night Shifts
The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has announced a game-changing decision: shops, parlors, cafes, and restaurants across the state can now operate 24/7. This move is expected to boost business, create jobs, and improve urban infrastructure.
Another major highlight of this decision is that women employees can now work night shifts, a step forward in gender equality and employment flexibility. However, liquor shops will still have to close by 10 PM, as per existing regulations.
Let’s dive into the details of this major policy shift and how it will impact businesses, employees, and the state’s economy.
Shops & Cafes Open 24/7: What Has Changed?
1. No More Mandatory Weekly Closures
Previously, businesses had to close for one day every week. Now, shop owners can choose their own operating hours, making it easier for businesses to serve customers anytime.
2. Women Can Work Night Shifts
For the first time, women in Chhattisgarh will be allowed to work night shifts, opening up new employment opportunities in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and IT.
3. Employees’ Rights Remain Protected
Despite businesses operating 24/7, the government has ensured that workers’ rights will be safeguarded:
✔ A mandatory weekly off for employees
✔ No worker can be forced to work more than 8 hours a day
✔ Shop owners must follow labor welfare policies
Simplified Shop Registration & Compliance
The government has also streamlined the shop registration process:
. Businesses already registered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF) schemes will be automatically included in the new framework.
. However, they must obtain a Labour Identification Number (LIN) within six months. Failing to do so will result in a penalty.
. The shop and establishment registration process has been shifted from municipal bodies to the Labour Department for better monitoring and ease of compliance.
. Registration fees have been revised based on the number of employees:
- Earlier: ₹100 to ₹250
- Now: ₹1,000 to ₹10,000
Big Win for Small Businesses
1. Extended 24/7 Rule Beyond Urban Areas
Previously, only businesses in urban municipal areas were allowed to operate longer hours. Now, even small businesses with at least 10 workers can benefit from this policy.
2. New Penalty & Offense Handling System
To ensure compliance, penalties for violations have been increased. However, businesses can opt for compounding offenses, which means they can pay a fine instead of facing long legal battles.
Challenges: Public Safety & Transport Concerns
While the 24/7 business model and night shifts for women are promising, concerns about safety and transportation remain.
. Limited Public Transport: Currently, Raipur’s city buses stop running by 7:30 PM, leaving many women worried about their safety while traveling at night.
. Deserted Streets: Many areas in Chhattisgarh still lack proper street lighting and security, raising concerns about safe commuting for night-shift employees.
According to Aditi Kale, an interior designer at Matter of Design, traveling late at night in Chhattisgarh feels unsafe due to limited transport and deserted streets. She questions whether the government will introduce strong safety measures or leave women to manage these risks alone.
What’s Next? Will the Government Improve Night Safety?
For this policy to be successful and inclusive, the government must address key concerns like public transport, street lighting, and police patrolling.
Possible Solutions to Enhance Safety
. Extend public transport hours to support night-shift workers
. Increase police patrolling and CCTV surveillance in major business districts
. Introduce safer commute options like women-only transport services
The success of this policy will depend on how well the government implements safety measures to ensure that women and all employees can work freely and securely at night.
 A Bold Step for Economic Growth
Chhattisgarh’s decision to allow 24/7 business operations and night shifts for women is a progressive move that will:
✔ Boost local businesses
✔ Create more jobs
✔ Improve customer convenience
However, for this policy to truly benefit women and workers, the government must prioritize safety and public transport improvements.
With the right safety measures in place, this 24/7 business model could revolutionize Chhattisgarh’s economy, making it more business-friendly, inclusive, and dynamic.
What do you think about this decision? Will it help businesses and workers, or do safety concerns outweigh the benefits? Share your thoughts!
