MP Prepares 24-Hour Operation for Malls, Restaurants, and Business Centers
Madhya Pradesh is preparing to allow malls, restaurants, business centers, and IT-related offices in urban areas to operate 24 hours, similar to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Telangana. To enable this, amendments will be made to Section 6 of the Madhya Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, 1958. The move follows a directive from the central government encouraging states to modify existing rules to promote economic activity.
These amendments will allow restaurants, malls, and other commercial areas to remain open around the clock. It is expected that the bill for these amendments will be presented during the state assembly’s budget session.
Previous Attempts and Challenges
In 2024, a pilot project was planned to open markets 24 hours in Bhopal and Indore. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav later announced the expansion to all municipal and industrial areas. While the labor department prepared a draft, Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya raised concerns about nighttime cleaning operations being disrupted, delaying the proposal. The labor department argued that the move would boost employment, accelerate economic activity, and increase revenue.
Focus on IT and BPO Employees
The central government has asked states to review and update labor laws. In response, Madhya Pradesh labor authorities began working on amendments to allow 24-hour operation of malls, restaurants, theaters, and business centers. The state’s IT and BPO sector operates on multiple shifts, including night shifts, often serving foreign companies. Currently, shops and markets are closed at night, causing inconvenience to employees. The new plan aims to resolve this issue.
Local Authorities Will Have Control
The amendment to Section 6 of the MP Shops and Establishments Act, 1958, will allow both state and local authorities to decide operational hours for 24-hour markets. Local bodies will have the autonomy to make decisions based on local conditions, while industrial areas will be regulated at the state level. The proposal will first go to the Senior Secretary Committee chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain for review of law and order, sanitation, and other aspects. Once approved, it will go to the cabinet, and then the labor department will introduce the bill in the assembly. After passage, the Governor will notify the amendments to make them effective.
Previous Experience in Indore
Indore has the highest number of IT and BPO companies in the state, operating in multiple shifts. Employees previously requested that part of the city remain open overnight. As a result, a pilot 24-hour opening was implemented along 100-meter stretches on both sides of the BRTS corridor. However, disputes arising at night led to protests, and the measure was eventually discontinued.