Karnataka Allows Shops With 10 Or More Employees To Remain Open 24 Hours

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has allowed shops and commercial establishments which have 10 or more employees to remain open 24 hours a day for the next 3 years.

The decision is aimed at boosting the economy and generating employment.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 11 read with sub section (2) of section 12 of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 08 of 1962) and in partial modification of notifications issued in this behalf, the Government of Karnataka after holding an enquiry as required under sub section (2) of section 11 hereby permits all Shops and Commercial Establishments in the State employing ten or more persons to be open on 24 X 7 basis on all days of the year for a period of three years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette subject to the provisions of sub section (3) of section 12,” said an official statement.

The order also mentioned that no employee should work more than 10 hours a day, including overtime.

Employers will have to allow one holiday a week on a rotation basis.

Female employees shouldn’t be allowed to work beyond 8 pm under normal circumstances.

“Provided that an employer after obtaining written consent from a woman employee may allow her to work between 8 PM and 6 AM subject to providing adequate protection to her dignity, honour and safety,” the state government noted.