Assam Government Allows 24-Hour Business Operations in Major Cities

GUWAHATI: In a major policy change, the Assam government has now decided to permit all business establishments and shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to open 24 hours a day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.

The move was approved in a cabinet meeting and is likely to give a boost to economic activity in these important urban hubs.

Addressing the press after the meeting, CM Sarma stated that while businesses in these three cities can remain open round the clock, liquor outlets will be exempt from this relaxation. In other towns across Assam, shops will be allowed to operate until 2 a.m., whereas in rural areas, the closing time has been set at 11 p.m.

Nonetheless, he reinforced that employee shifts would be capped at a maximum of nine hours, with companies choosing the 24-hour option having to introduce a three-shift pattern.

Emphasizing the financial advantages of the move, CM Sarma highlighted that longer working hours would benefit small enterprises in expanding and providing more employment opportunities through additional shifts. The step is viewed as a move towards economic liberalization and ease of doing business in the state.

Further, the Assam government has also agreed to grant permanent residency certificates (PRCs) to members of the Moran community who live in Arunachal Pradesh provided they apply for them. The government of Arunachal Pradesh does not currently issue them PRCs, and hence, it caused hardship to the community. The move came after a memorandum was presented by a Moran delegation requesting help on the same.

The cabinet also sanctioned a budget of Rs 262 crore for the development of roads in tea garden areas, a step to boost infrastructure and connectivity in these regions.

In addition, the state government will celebrate the birth centenary of late Chief Minister Golap Borbora, the first non-Congress chief minister of Assam. The government has also lifted the age restriction for National Health Mission (NHM) staff seeking permanent posts in the Health Department, to provide improved career opportunities for employees in the mission.

In yet another key decision, the Assam government has made up its mind to establish the post of headmaster in elementary schools with 50 or more students. The move is likely to improve the quality of primary education in the state.

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