Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 -- In a major step to attract new industries and investments, the Odisha Cabinet today approved amendments to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956 and the Factories Act, 1948.
The reforms aim to enhance ease of doing business, expand economic activity, and improve labor conditions.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, cleared proposals to increase daily working hours from 9 to 10 hours,and allow shops and commercial establishments to remain open 24x7 throughout the year.
The new amendments apply the 1956 Act to establishments employing 20 or more workers,and mandate Odia signboards for all shops and commercial establishments, regardless of employee strength.
The key...