Delhi traders' body wants joint panel on shop timing

With just two days to go before new shop timings come into effect in the capital, a traders' body has asked the government to set up a joint committee consisting of shopkeepers, consumers, police and transporters to examine the issue and take a final decision only on the basis of its recommendation.

Criticising the government for "arbitrarily" taking the decision to allow shops to keep open shutters till 11 pm seven days a week from Wednesday, Confederation of All-India Traders (CAIT) said it would worsen the law and order situation and destroy the family life and health of shopkeepers.

"The important decision has been taken arbitrarily without taking trade, industry and citizens into confidence," CIAT said in a memorandum to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

It asked the government to set up a joint committee comprising trade and industry representatives, consumers and concerned agencies to examine the issue afresh and not enforce the new timings until its recommendations were available.

Expressing fear for the security of traders, CIAT said as banks did not accept cash at late hours, traders will have to carry home money with them, thus becoming easy target for unsocial elements.

As the shops will have to be run in double shifts and new employees cannot be given independent charge immediately, old workers will have to put in extra hours thus affecting their health, the CIAT said.

The new timings will also affect the family life of both shop owners and employees as they can return home only late in night and leave for work in the morning, it said, adding travelling at odd hours will cost more for them.