bengaluru starting sunday shops and establishments in karnataka can function 24x7 on all days for a period of three years the state government on saturday notified that all shops registered under the karnataka shops and establishments act 1962 with ten or more employees can remain open roundtheclockwith the notification the state government is making an attempt to create more jobs generate some additional revenue and lend a helping hand to the retail industry that has been reeling under the impact of the covid19 pandemicthe rule elevates karnataka to the league of states like maharashtra gujarat haryana and tamil nadu that allows shops and establishments to do business day and night since several companies especially in the it sector are functioning 24x7 there has been a demand from the retailers to keep shops and establishments open even at night the decision also forms a part of the easeofdoingbusiness initiative of the karnataka government there was a demand from traders to extend business hours especially after the pandemicinduced lockdown said state labour commissioner akram pasha though the government had come out with a similar order in 2019 it was put on hold after the outbreak of covid19 pandemicstaff shouldnt be made to work for over 10 hoursthe government is hoping that relaxation of business hours will bring in some revenue most of the states revenueearning departments like commercial tax excise transport and stamps and registration are struggling to meet the set target for financial year 20202021 as far as safety issues are concerned especially for those working at night pasha said all measures have been taken to maintain law and order we have issued safety guidelines to be adhered to by all shops there will also be police patrolling all through the night he addedthe notification directs shop owners to hire additional staff if they plan to stay open for business round the clock every employee should get oneday leave in a week and should not be made to work for over 10 hours including overtime of two hourswomen employees cannot work beyond 8pm on any day in normal circumstances says the notification if at all the situation demands the employer should obtain written consent from the employee to work between 8pm and 6am subject to providing adequate protection to her dignity honour and safety the order said transport arrangements should be made for women employees who work in shifts the employees should also be provided with restrooms washrooms safety lockers and other basic amenitieslabour department officials claimed after relaxing the rule maharashtra and gujarat witnessed employment in the retail sector growing onesixth of the total number of jobs generated consumers especially in bengaluru will be happier with the flexibility of shopping at will they added however they admitted the positive impact of the move will mostly be locationdependent for instance retail shops in cbd and establishments in areas with high presence of itites employees will possibly benefit a lot more than other localities