Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has given approval to the Delhi government’s proposal, allowing an additional 83 commercial establishments in the city to operate round the clock, as confirmed by Raj Niwas officials on Friday.
This marks the fourth such approval by Saxena since October 2022. The previous clearances were in October, granting exemptions to 314 establishments, followed by 55 in April, and 155 in June of the same year.
“With the latest 83 approvals, the total count of shops and establishments permitted to operate 24×7 in various locations across the national capital now stands at 607. This move is expected to stimulate economic activities,” stated an official.
Saxena has granted these exemptions under sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, enabling commercial entities to function on a 24×7 basis.
Among the notable establishments receiving approval are Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, a retailer of readymade garments and accessories, Amazon Transportation Services, the logistical arm of the e-commerce giant, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, engaged in retail trade businesses, Nykaa Fashion Pvt Ltd, and the sweets shop chain Bikanerwala International.
Saxena commended the chief minister and the labour department for the prompt processing of applications. He emphasized the need to expedite such processes to avoid delays that may indicate negligence or external influences in decision-making involving departmental discretion.
“The LG stressed the importance of mitigating such considerations for transparent governance, urging the strict adherence to measures proposed earlier, such as developing a ‘Single Window System’ as an integrated portal for approvals,” the official reported.
Saxena also instructed the labour department to provide reasons within 15 days for the rejection of applications from the previous year and to outline the outcomes of re-applications. He highlighted the significance of fostering a conducive and investor-friendly business environment for the city’s economic growth.
Furthermore, Saxena suggested the department explore the establishment of a facilitation or enabling mechanism for applicants seeking exemptions under sections 14, 15, and 16 of the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act. These exemptions are typically granted to establishments involved in providing essential services, including sectors such as e-commerce, grocery stores, hospitality, airport services, cargo services, cold storage and warehouses, security services, and similar essential services.
(with PTI inputs)
