Maharashtra Govt. allowing shops to open 365 days will benefit business and consumer equally

FICCI appreciates the Government of Maharashtra's move of exempting the retail establishments in the state from weekly closure as mandated by the Shops and Establishments Act. It means that the shops can now be open for 365 days a year.This will build the trust in the reform intentions of the new government and will certainly boost trade in the State.

Business and consumer will benefit equally. Earlier one day weekly closure was mandatory and on case to case basis permissions were allotted for opening up the stores on all days.

This has thus reduced a layer in the system."Ease of doing business is a cross sector agenda taken up by FICCI. FICCI has been working on various retail and internal trade reforms.

Shop and Establishment Act has been looked by us in detail. We have already drafted a model Shop and Establishment Act which we are taking to our State Governments. This recommendation flows from the model Act. We are hopeful that gradually our work will help in creating a more conducive business environment in the country," said Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General FICCI.

Commenting on the matter, Krish Iyer, Chairman FICCI Retail & Internal Trade and President & CEO Walmart India added further, "It is a very positive step and would help retailers to achieve their true potential.

Retail sector is one of the most employment generating sectors in the economy and this policy initiative would further help in creating new employment opportunities.This change was necessary to remain competitive and create a level playing field for offline and online retailers. It would also benefit customers as it would give them more convenience and would boost consumption."