Poonam Nath

Shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar to be opened 24/7- Assam Government

Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that stores in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar will henceforth be permitted to operate throughout the day and night in a major step to support indigenous companies and jobs.

Speaking to the media, the CM explained that business owners will have complete control over when they close, as there would be no government-imposed limitations on the required weekly off.

#Assam government has decided that all shops and business establishments will be allowed to remain open 24 hours in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, the decision will help small businesses and eventually lead to generation of more jobs due to… pic.twitter.com/sxD8kBilKf

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 21, 2025

While businesses in rural regions can stay open until 11 PM, store hours have been extended to 2 AM for towns outside the municipal corporations of Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar.

The move aims to increase economic activity and empower small business owners. To guarantee worker well-being, the government has implemented protections.

CM Sarma underlined that workers cannot be forced to work longer than nine-hour shifts or more than 48 hours per week. Businesses that choose to operate around the clock are required to work in three shifts, which should lead to an increase in job opportunities.