HYDERABAD: In a move that could benefit businesses, the BRS government issued regulations allowing all shops and establishments, including malls and restaurants, to remain 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with certain riders. The GO was issued on April 4, but came to light on Friday.
The labour department’s order said: "The Telangana government, hereby, issues guidelines for granting exemption from Section 7 (opening and closing hours) of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act 1988 to all shops and establishments as defined in Section 2 (21) of the Telangana Shops & Establishments Act 1988 for operating 24x7 in the State.” GO Ms No 4 was issued by special chief secretary, labour, I. Rani Kumudini. Among the conditions were that businesses should give their employees ID cards, weekly offs, fix weekly working hours, overtime wages where applicable, compensatory holiday with wage in lieu of employees attending duty on a notified national festival or holiday, ensure safety of women employees, consent of women employees to work in night shifts, and to and fro transportation for them.
The GO stipulated that the managements maintain accurate records and submit returns on time. The approvals would be subject to compliance with terms of the Police Act and Rules, as well as payment of an annual fee of Rs. 10,000 for each store to be open round the clock.
