Dibrugarh (Assam) [India], March 21 (HBTV): The Assam cabinet has approved 24/7 operations for shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to boost economic activity and encourage trade, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. However, liquor shops and bars in these cities are exempt from this approval and will continue to operate under existing timings.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting in Dibrugarh on Thursday. The city is set to become Assam’s second capital, according to CM Sarma. He stated, ‘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.’
To ensure worker protections, Sarma clarified that no worker will be required to work more than 48 hours a week or nine hours a day. Additionally, no employee will be asked to work for more than five hours continuously without a break of at least half an hour. Any work beyond the daily or weekly limit will be considered overtime, which cannot exceed 125 hours over three months. ‘All other safeguards to the workers available under the Act will continue to remain the same,’ the Chief Minister’s statement read.
During his visit to Dibrugarh, Sarma also reviewed the law and order situation and assessed the progress of welfare initiatives in the region. Earlier, the CM posted, ‘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.’
The cabinet also approved several measures aimed at boosting employment and development across the state. It granted Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC) to the Moran community, approved the organisation of statewide health and wellness camps from March 31, and waived the age limit for the recruitment of National Health Mission employees. Additionally, it sanctioned the creation of the ‘Simen-Sissitongani Developmental Block’ under Jonai LAC in Dhemaji district and allocated INR 262 crore for the improvement of 207 tea garden roads across 12 districts.
The government also aims to introduce a ‘clean mining regime’ through the approval of the Assam Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The amendment seeks to address PM10 and PM2.5 emissions while promoting the utilisation of mining waste.
(ANI)