Nearly two years after the Chandigarh administration permitted commercial establishments to operate round the clock, 179 units have registered with the Union Territory and submitted undertakings to comply with prescribed norms. According to official records, most of the registered establishments comprise eating joints, food kiosks, confectionery shops, hotels, and restaurants. While the majority are located in core urban sectors, many have also come up in village areas.
Food Outlets Dominate Registrations
Sources indicate that the large number of food-related outlets reflects demand patterns, with many such establishments operating from booths and SCOs in commercial hubs. “These units are spread across the city, though many are concentrated in the northern sectors,” said a UT official. Some standalone shops are also registered under the 24x7 policy.
“We are encouraging people to register for 24X7 commercial operations under ease of doing business in the city. Women’s safety and adherence to labour laws are two key aspects under this initiative, which we are fully ensuring by coordinating with the department concerned, including the Chandigarh Police,” said Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner and Labour Commissioner.
Revised Work Hours and Compliance
In June 2024, the UT labour department issued guidelines under the ease of doing business initiative, allowing shops to remain open round the clock, subject to labour law compliance. In March this year, the department amended key provisions related to working hours. Under the revised norms, employees cannot work more than 10 hours a day or 48 hours a week, compared to the earlier cap of nine hours a day. The maximum spread-over has also been increased from 10 hours to 12 hours.
Officials clarified that the facility is restricted to establishments registered with the labour department and compliant with safety and welfare conditions. It does not extend to bars and liquor vends, which remain barred from operating 24x7.
Trader Perspectives and Administration Views
Traders noted that the benefit of round-the-clock operations has largely accrued to food outlets, as late-night footfall in the city remains limited. “Restaurants and eateries are seeing some gains, but other businesses don’t have enough night demand to sustain extended hours,” said a trader. Despite this, the administration maintains that the initiative has helped improve business flexibility and offered consumers more options, particularly in high-activity pockets and transit zones.
Key Areas with 24x7 Operational Shops
The following sectors and locations have shops registered for 24x7 operations: Sector 22, Sector 38, Sector 35, Sector 7, Sector 15, Sector 26, Sector 19, Sector 32, Sector 23, Sector 8, Sector 9, Sector 21, Sector 34, Sector 11, Sector 41, Sector 47, Sector 10, Sector 46, Manimajra, Elante Mall, Khuda Lahora, Daria, and Dhanas.
