The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has welcomed the Maharashtra Government’s progressive decision to allow 24×7 retail operations across the state. This move is set to provide a significant boost to the retail sector, offering consumers greater flexibility, convenience, and accessibility while driving economic growth and employment opportunities. RAI believes that enabling shops, malls, and retail establishments to operate round-the-clock will align Maharashtra with global retail hubs, support the growing urban lifestyle, and enhance ease of doing business for retailers.
Commenting on this announcement, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, expressed, “We, at RAI, have been advocating for this since a long time and we appreciate the Government’s move to help consumers buy when they want and allow retailers to serve at all times. This move will create 5-10% additional jobs, besides providing flexibility and convenience to customers.” This is a significant step towards enabling 24×7 retail in Maharashtra.
This announcement highlights the progressive vision of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 and provides much-needed relief to retailers who were facing operational hurdles arising from local enforcement inconsistencies. It will also add an impetus to festive shopping as consumers will now enjoy greater convenience and flexibility of time. Allowing uninterrupted operations not only enhances consumer convenience but also strengthens the retail sector’s role in driving the State’s economy and creating employment opportunities.
While the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 already authorised 24×7 retail operations, It was highlighted that the local police authorities did not recognise the notification and ask the business to shut operations at midnight. The Retailers Association of India (RAI) raised the issue, after which the state government of Maharashtra clarified that except liquor shops, businesses can operate round the clock if employees get a 24-hour weekly holiday.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has been actively engaging with various State Governments to promote ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and has consistently urged different departments to adopt the State Retail Trade Policy, while permitting retailers to operate on a 24×7 basis.
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