There is good news for shopkeepers in Himachal Pradesh. The state government has now allowed shops and commercial establishments to remain open 24 hours a day.
This means business owners can keep their shops open throughout the day and night without worrying about restrictions from local authorities.
The move is expected to benefit both shopkeepers and customers by providing greater flexibility.
Changes Made to Existing Law
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced that the government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969, along with related rules.
The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Labour and Employment Department.
According to the Chief Minister, the changes have been introduced to improve the implementation of labour laws across the state and make business operations easier.
How Will Shopkeepers and Customers Benefit?
Under the revised rules, shops and commercial establishments can now operate round the clock.
The government believes this will help shopkeepers serve more customers and increase business opportunities. At the same time, consumers will have the convenience of shopping whenever they need, including late at night.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to digitize department services such as certificates and licenses. This is expected to make the process faster and reduce inconvenience for citizens.
50% Subsidy for Youth Buying E-Taxis
The Chief Minister also reviewed employment-related schemes during the meeting.
He said that under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme 2023, eligible youth are being given a 50% subsidy to purchase e-taxis.
To expand the scheme, the government plans to provide the same subsidy to 500 more young people during the financial year 2026-27. A budget provision of ₹50 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
The government says these measures are aimed at boosting employment opportunities while supporting business growth across the state.
