Tuesday off for Gurgaon malls?

The Haryana Govt's notification asking malls to remain shut on Tuesdays seems to have confused the authorities, reports Sanjeev K Ahuja.

The Haryana government's notification asking all market places, shopping complexes and malls to remain shut on Tuesdays seems to have confused mall authorities. While many say they are yet to get an official notice, others have termed the directive as absurd and decided to remain open.

HT Image

The Labour Department, however, said that the Haryana government had issued a notification on February 27 making it mandatory for all the retailers in city to down shutters on Tuesday and the decision would be implemented in all circumstances. Those flouting the orders would be penalised, Deputy Labour Commissioner Manorma Rana said.

The officials clarified that those exempted included multiplexes, eateries, bars and chemist shops. "In Gurgaon, Lifestyle stores at DLF City Center Mall have been exempted under the Act and allowed to open all 7 days. A couple of more stores also had got similar exception but the same has expired and they will have to apply afresh," Labour Commissioner of Haryana NC Wadhawa said.

In Gurgaon, multiplexes such as PVR and DT Cinemas, BPOs and call centres have also been allowed to operate on all seven days under the Act.

Senior vice president of the MGF group of malls Brig (Retd.) Baljit Singh said the retailers were confused. "However, we will have to operate the air conditioning systems and other maintenance-related services for occupants like PVR cineplex, food-courts, restaurants and bars who are allowed to open all seven days.”