In an apparent bid to attract more investments in retail trade, the State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Retail Trade Policy that not only allows for simplification of labour laws in retail, but also prevents food and grocery retailing staff from participating in labour strikes. It has also relaxed the stocking limit for foodgrains on a “case-to-case basis”.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs T.B. Jayachandra said the proposed policy would allow relaxation of rules under the Shops and Establishments Act regarding working hours, work shifts and employment of part-time workers.
The Minister said the new policy will bring food and grocery retailing under the ambit of “essential services”, which would mean that they cannot interrupt services due to industrial unrest.
According to sources, the policy will allow the retail sector to operate 365 days a year from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. They are also allowed to recruit women staff to work under night shifts on certain conditions and maintain the registers and documents electronically, besides issuing electronic bills. The policy will also focus on promotion of human resources development and skill development in retail enterprises, he said, and noted that a nodal office will be set up to provide single window clearances for the retail sector.
According to him, the policy was being introduced to increase employment opportunities. In addition to accelerating investment flow to underdeveloped regions of the State, the policy will focus on creating awareness among youth about the opportunities in retail trade, he said.
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Affordable Housing Policy, which is in tune with the Home for All Policy of the Centre and provides for private participation in the housing projects in public sector. The Karnataka Slum Area Development Policy that focuses on improving infrastructure in the State’s 2,804 slums, which house 7.50 lakh families, has also been adopted.
