The Hindu : New Delhi News : No late night yet; major markets close shop at 8 p.m.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

No late night yet; major markets close shop at 8 p.m.

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 15. The Delhi Government's decision to allow shops and commercial establishments across the city to remain open till 11 p.m. failed to take off on the very first day today as all the major markets pulled their shutters down at the schedule hour of 8 p.m. However, the situation might change in the coming days as various market associations have after deliberations decided to extend their timings by at least an hour and see the people's response before adopting the new schedule.

All major markets across the Capital -- Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Janpath, Greater Kailash, Chandni Chowk, Khan Market, Darya Ganj, Kamla Nagar, Sadar Bazar, Sarojini Nagar, Tilak Nagar -- down their shutters by 8 p.m. Though some did extend their timings by 30 minutes, but seeing no enthusiastic response from shoppers they decided to call it a day.

Shop-owners of at least five different markets in and around Connaught Place including Janpath, Bengali Market, Palika Bazar and Shankar Market held a meeting this afternoon where it was decided to keep their shops open till at least 9 or 9-30 p.m. from Thursday. "We have decided to extend our working hours from tomorrow onwards. We will wait and watch the public mood. If the response is good, we will definitely remain open till 11 p.m.," said Manoj Aggarwal, the New Delhi Traders Association president.

Similarly, other market associations in the Capital have also decided to test the waters before extending their timings till 11 p.m. However, a lot of shop-owners and their employees are worried over the effect on their personal lives. Also, issues like law and order, commuting and other facilities to workers, increased costs of operation as well as more wages to employees and slump in the market are giving them jitters. Nevertheless, they do not want to let the Delhi Government down and have decided to extend their working hours by at least an hour.

"Extended hours will leave us with no time for our families. Moreover, seven-day work schedule with increased hours will make things difficult for our employees. And how will the workers coming from far off places commute during late hours? Moreover, it is the women and children who decide on what is to be purchased, and unless they come out to the markets, night shopping will not be a success. With the crime rate increasing, it remains to be seen how this new timings will work," was the general reaction from shop-owners. "We do not mind keeping our shops open till 11 p.m. if there is enough business and it adds to the government's coffers," they added.

Interestingly, the Delhi police seemed prepared for the concept of night shopping. Police personnel and PCR vans were stationed at all key position in all the markets and extra deployment of the force was also seen at some markets.

There are some traders and market associations that are protesting against the Delhi Government's move. The Dilli Vyapar Mahasangh, the Confederation of All India Traders and the Forum of Delhi Trade Association are among those trade bodies that have expressed their strong opposition to the idea of opening shops till late hours. They have termed the decision as inconvenient both for the traders and their employees besides it would create law and order problems.

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