In a bid to improve Karnataka’s position in the retail trade by attracting more investments, the State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Retail Trade Policy that not only allows for simplification of labour laws, but also prevents the food and grocery retailing staff from participating in labour strikes and relaxes the stocking limit for foodgrains on a case-to-case basis.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra said the proposed policy would allow relaxation of rules under the Shops and Establishments Act with respect to working hours, work shifts and employment of part-time workers.
According to sources, the new policy would allow the retail sector to operate 365 days a year from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is 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 Minister said the new policy would 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 him, the new policy was being introduced to increase employment opportunities and to leverage retail trade as a tool for socio-economic development of the State. In addition to accelerating investment flow to underdeveloped regions of the State, the new policy would also focus on creating awareness among youth, especially those in rural areas, about the opportunities in retail trade, he said.
