TS retail shops to remain open for 365 days in year

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has renewed the permission for retail establishments in the State to function for 365 days in a year. The renewal is valid for a further period of three years.

In this regard, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) applauded the State government for considering its submission and encouraging Ease of Doing Business in Telangana

In a notification, the government stated that, in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (4) of section-73 of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988 (Act No 20 of 1988), the government has extended the permission to all the shops and establishments as defined in section 2 (21) of Telangana Shops and Establishments.

Act, 1988 to keep open on all the days of the year, in Telangana State, for a further period of three years, subject to certain conditions.

RAI had written to the government to consider extension of this permission.

In a statement, the retailers' association said that the earlier decision of the State government has been appreciated by the entire retail industry.

By letting shops to be open for the whole year has helped the industry to provide uninterrupted service to the consumers and contribute towards increase in employment opportunities in the State, it added.

Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer, Retailers Association of India, said: "The exemption from weekly closure will not only be beneficial for retailers to achieve their potential but will also offer consumers the luxury of 365 days of shopping."

"In addition, this decision will also help the State economy by creating more employment in the sector," he said.

However, the Telangana government has specified several conditions in the notification. It mandated that the working hours for

employees should be eight hours per day and 48 hours in a week.

Besides, the establishments are supposed to record the over time of the employees who worked beyond working hours.

The other conditions included a weekly holiday for every employee and transport arrangements for women employees working beyond the mentioned working hour.

The working hours of the shop shall be between 9 am to 11 pm. Moreover, EPF and ESI deductions shall be implemented in respect of the eligible employees, etc.