Chandigarh Approves 24/7 Operations for 152 Commercial Units With Focus on Women’s Safety and Labour Rights
Chandigarh approves 152 commercial units for 24/7 operation with strict safety rules for women employees and strong labour law enforcement, marking a major step in inclusive economic reform.
NewsSutra
Chandigarh Clears 24-Hour Operations for 152 Establishments: A Bold Move for Economic Activity and Inclusive Workforce Policies
Chandigarh, July 28, 2025 – In a landmark decision that is expected to boost business activity and employment, the Chandigarh Labour Department has granted permission to 152 commercial establishments to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, under stringent regulatory conditions.
The approval, issued under Section 14 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, is not merely a business liberalization move. It also emphasizes the safety and welfare of women employees, compliance with labour norms, and oversight to prevent exploitation or regulatory evasion.
A Step Towards Round-the-Clock Urban Economy
With this decision, Chandigarh joins a growing list of Indian cities pushing toward a 24/7 urban economy—a concept that seeks to keep retail, hospitality, and service sectors running beyond traditional working hours.
Officials from the Department of Labour, Union Territory Administration, confirmed that the permissions were granted after rigorous verification of each establishment’s ability to adhere to labour laws, provide safe working environments, and implement surveillance and transport facilities for female staff.
“This is a carefully calibrated move aimed at balancing economic activity with worker welfare. Round-the-clock operations offer more jobs and convenience for citizens, but they must not come at the cost of workers' rights or safety,” said an official from the Labour Commissioner’s office.
Key Conditions for 24/7 Operation
The permissions were not granted unconditionally. Establishments must comply with over 15 specific conditions designed to safeguard labour rights and maintain public order. Some of the major mandates include:
-
Women Employee Safety Measures
-
No woman employee shall be allowed to work beyond 8 PM unless the employer provides safe transportation, maintains CCTV surveillance, and ensures the presence of a female supervisor or manager on duty.
-
Strict prohibition of any coercion to make women work night shifts.
-
-
Labour Welfare Provisions
-
Employees must be paid minimum wages as per state notifications.
-
No employee should be made to work more than 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
-
Weekly holidays and overtime compensation are mandatory.
-
-
Record-Keeping & Inspection
-
Employers must maintain proper registers including attendance, wages, and shift schedules.
-
Authorities reserve the right to conduct random inspections to ensure compliance.
-
-
Health & Safety Measures
-
Establishments must provide basic amenities, including clean drinking water, sanitation, and first-aid.
-
Premises operating at night must have adequate lighting and emergency protocols in place.
-
Sectors Likely to Benefit the Most
The establishments approved for 24/7 operation span several sectors:
-
IT and ITeS firms
-
Restaurants and cafes
-
Retail chains
-
Logistics and courier services
-
Customer service centers
-
E-commerce fulfillment warehouses
Experts say this could position Chandigarh as a regional business hub for companies looking to expand their backend operations and customer support systems without being bound by strict operating hours.
Women’s Safety at the Forefront
Women’s safety is a central pillar of the new policy. All employers opting for night shifts must submit a declaration outlining their adherence to safety protocols. The administration has warned that any violation could lead to the revocation of licenses and legal action under the relevant labour laws and IPC provisions.
“This is not just a business directive. It reflects a commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. Women must be able to work safely, no matter what time of day,” said Sunita Verma, President of a Chandigarh-based women's labour rights group.
Economic Implications
The move is widely seen as a stimulus for economic growth, particularly in the service and retail sectors. By enabling flexible operations, businesses can:
-
Serve a wider customer base
-
Create more shift-based employment opportunities
-
Increase revenue and reduce operational bottlenecks
“Allowing 24/7 operations makes complete business sense for logistics, tech support, and food delivery firms. The flexibility will enhance productivity while catering to a modern, fast-paced lifestyle,” said Rajiv Bansal, owner of a logistics firm based in Industrial Area, Phase II.
Monitoring & Enforcement Framework
To ensure transparency and compliance, the Chandigarh administration is setting up a dedicated monitoring cell under the Labour Department. The cell will:
-
Conduct routine audits
-
Act on grievances submitted by employees
-
Coordinate with the Women and Child Development Department for redressal of gender-based complaints
Employers must renew their licenses annually and submit a self-declaration along with inspection reports, if any.
Public and Political Response
The decision has received broad support from industry associations, especially in the hospitality and IT sectors. However, some labour unions have expressed concerns about the potential for exploitation and the need for vigilant enforcement.
“This is a welcome step, but its success depends on strict monitoring. Otherwise, it risks becoming just another tool for overwork and underpayment,” said Anil Kumar, spokesperson for the Chandigarh Workers’ Union.
On the political front, leaders across party lines have endorsed the policy, although opposition voices have urged caution to ensure it does not result in undue stress for working-class employees.
Chandigarh’s Growing Urban Potential
Chandigarh’s strategic location and planned infrastructure make it a prime candidate for becoming North India’s 24-hour commercial node. With proximity to Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and a strong base of educated professionals, the city stands to benefit immensely from this progressive move.
This initiative mirrors similar steps taken in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where round-the-clock business permissions have catalyzed growth in retail and tech ecosystems.
Conclusion: A Model for Other Cities
Chandigarh’s 24/7 commercial operation approval, when implemented with discipline, empathy, and technological oversight, could become a model for urban governance in India. It strikes a balance between economic liberalization and social responsibility, ensuring that growth does not come at the cost of worker dignity or public safety.
As India moves toward more digitized, service-oriented urban centers, such policy decisions could play a pivotal role in shaping how cities evolve to meet the demands of modern life and inclusive economic development.
