Hyderabad: The government of Telangana has permitted shops and other in the state to remain open round-the-clock during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Labour Department has granted a 30-day exemption to shops and business establishments in Hyderabad and other parts of the state to stay functioning for 24 hours during the fasting month, beginning in early March.
Commissioner of Labour Sanjay Kumar has issued an order in this regard. The exemption, however, is subject to certain conditions for employers. The permission aims to facilitate businesses and accommodate the needs of citizens during the festive period.
Officials said the permission for shops and business establishments to remain open is not a new development but it has been the tradition followed for decades. Successive governments in united Andhra Pradesh allowed shops, hotels and other business establishments to remain open throughout the night. The tradition continued after formation of Telangana state in 2014.
The Commissioner of Minorities Welfare had made a request to the Labour Commissioner following a meeting with the Minister for Transport and Backward Classes (BC) Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar.
The Labour Department gave the exemption with certain conditions: employees working beyond standard hours must be paid overtime wages at twice the regular rate, compensatory holidays must be provided for work on holidays, and the maximum work hours must not exceed 13 hours per day. Additionally, women employees would be permitted to work night shifts under specific terms outlined in a previous Government Order (GO).
The state has directed all departments to ensure better facilities for worshippers during the holy month.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recently reviewed the arrangements at a high-level review meeting. He emphasised the need for uninterrupted electricity supply, clean water distribution, garbage disposal, and other essential services in major mosques, key intersections, and across Hyderabad.
During the meeting, Chief Minister’s Advisor for Minority Affairs, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for issuing a GO allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during Ramadan. He had also welcomed the possibility of issuing another GO permitting businesses and shops to remain open late at night during the holy month, stating that it would facilitate business activities during Ramadan.
