Cabinet to deliberate model law allowing shops to open 365 days

New Delhi: Union cabinet will consider on Wednesday a model law that seeks to allow shops, malls and other establishments to operate throughout the year with flexibility to open and shut at their convenience.[caption id=“attachment_513602” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Model law to keep shops oopen for 365 days in the offing. Reuters[/caption] The model law also provides for women to be employed in night shifts with adequate security. It also calls for better working conditions for workers like drinking water, canteen, first aid, lavatory and creche. “The ‘Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Bill 2016 is listed on agenda of the Cabinet meeting scheduled tomorrow,” a source said. The model law will not require Parliament’s approval. As per the proposal mooted by the labour ministry, the model law can be adopted by the states with flexibility of modifying it as per their requirement. The model law is aimed at generating addition employment as the shops and establishment will have freedom to operate for longer hours requiring more manpower. According to the proposal, it will cover establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units and will provide freedom to operate 365 days in a year with flexibility on timing to open and close. It also provides exemption for highly skilled workers like those in IT, biotech, from daily working hours (nine hours) and weekly working hours (48 hours). The model bill aims to bring uniformity in the legislative provisions, making it easier for all the states to adopt it and ensure uniform working conditions across the country. Centre has been receiving suggestions from time to time to enact model law, which the states could consider for enforcement either by adopting the central law or necessary modification by the state law. PTI