assam-cabinet-permits-24-7-shop-operations-in-major-cities

The Assam Cabinet has approved a decision allowing shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to operate round the clock, in a bid to bolster economic activity and trade, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.

 

However, liquor shops and bars will remain subject to their existing operational hours.

 

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held in Dibrugarh, which is set to become the state’s second capital, as per Chief Minister Sarma.

 

"Now shops can operate 24*7 in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar and with extended timings in other areas without compromising on worker rights and conveniences! P.S- This decision is not applicable for liquor shops and bars," Sarma stated in a post on X.

The government has decided to extend operating hours for Shops and establishments. However this extension does not apply to liquor stores and bars. All concerned parties should note this clarification.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 20, 2025

 

To safeguard workers’ rights, the government has laid out strict guidelines concerning working hours.

 

No worker shall be required to work for more than 48 hours in a week or nine hours in a day. Additionally, employees cannot be engaged for more than five consecutive hours without a break of at least half an hour.

 

Any work exceeding the prescribed weekly or daily limits will be considered overtime, which shall not surpass 125 hours over a period of three months.

 

"All other safeguards to the workers available under the Act will continue to remain the same," the Chief Minister’s statement read.

 

Also read: Govt to invest ₹3 lakh crore in Assam’s 'US-standard' roads

 

During his visit to Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister also reviewed the law and order situation and the progress of welfare projects in the region.

 

“Wrapping up a productive day in Dibrugarh by reviewing law & order situation and the status of ongoing welfare works in the region. We are on track to establish the city as Assam’s second capital,” Sarma stated in an earlier post.

 

The Cabinet also approved several measures aimed at bolstering employment and development in the state. Among the key decisions were:

• Granting of Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) to people from the Moran community.

• Organising state-wide health and wellness camps from 31 March.

• Waiving the age limit for recruitment under the National Health Mission.

• Establishing the ‘Simen-Sissitongani Developmental Block’ in Jonai LAC, Dhemaji district.

• Allocating Rs 262 crore for the improvement of 207 tea garden roads across 12 districts.

• Approving amendments to the Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2025, to promote sustainable mining by addressing PM10 and PM2.5 emissions and utilising mining waste.

The measures, the government stated, are aimed at fostering economic progress, enhancing public welfare, and promoting a cleaner mining regime across the state.