In a major initiative to boost local businesses and employment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar will now be permitted to operate 24 hours a day. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government will not impose any restrictions on mandatory weekly offs, giving shop owners the flexibility to decide their own closure days.
For towns outside the municipal corporations of Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, shop operating hours have been extended until 2 AM, while in rural areas, establishments can remain open until 11 PM. This move is aimed at empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and stimulating economic activity across the state.
To ensure the welfare of workers, the government has introduced safeguards. Chief Minister Sarma stated that employees cannot be required to work more than 48 hours per week or exceed 9-hour shifts at a stretch. Additionally, shops opting for 24-hour operations must operate in three shifts, a measure expected to create more job opportunities.
“This decision will not only support businesses but also generate employment opportunities across the state,” CM Sarma added. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing Assam’s economy and fostering a more business-friendly environment.
