Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 6: A delegation of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) led by Arun Gupta, its president today called on Labour Commissioner UT of J&K and discussed with him the issue relating to mandatory observance of “Closed Day” by shops/ establishments in the UT of J&K.
During interaction Gupta apprised the Labour Commissioner that the UT of J&K is a pilgrim/ tourist destination which is the main source of our economy. The pilgrims/ tourists used to visit the city of temples to buy the goods and eatables of their choice as such the business activities in this area cannot be restricted because by keeping our business establishments/shops open, we serve the visiting pilgrims/tourists.
He also mentioned that the Prime Minister of India while addressing the media fraternity has clearly said that we have allowed to keep shops/ business establishments open for 24×7 days to boost the economy of our country. Besides this, after allowing FDI in retail sector to establish their outlets in India, these establishments are working throughout the week without observing any close day, even the local malls are also open throughout the week.
JCCI president also briefed the Labour Commissioner that every employee working in these shops/business establishments is given weekly paid off. However, as per our best information, if any employer asks some of his employees to perform duty on the paid weekly off day who are interested to do so, they are paid extra salary of that day for performing their duties.
While reacting on the issues raised in the meeting, the Labour Commissioner assured that the trades and the areas which witness free flow of tourists and pilgrims shall be exempted from mandatory observance of close day. He asked the Chamber to provide the list of areas and trades which are required to be exempted from the observance of mandatory ‘Closed Day’.
The other office bearers who accompanied the delegation included, Anil Gupta- senior vice president, Rajeev Gupta – junior vice president and Rajesh Gupta- treasurer.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Bansal, National president of the Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII) also called on Charandeep Singh, Labour Commissioner, to address various issues concerning the Labour department. The meeting focused on resolving key issues affecting businesses and the labour community.
The main issue of discussion was ‘Closed Day’ regulation, which mandates businesses to remain closed on certain days. Bansal raised concerns from the business community about the restrictions this regulation imposes, particularly for those who wish to operate without limitations.
Labour Commissioner provided a positive outlook and assured that businesses would not face any difficulties in this regard. He assured that those business owners who wish to keep their shops open 24×7 will be granted the necessary permissions.
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