This would disrupt the culture and result in unbridled alcohol and drug use, a. Anbalagan says
This would disrupt the culture and result in unbridled alcohol and drug use, a. Anbalagan says
AIADMK, an ally of the ruling AINRC-BJP government, has sought cancellation of the notification allowing shops and establishments to function 24/7.
AIADMK (East) secretary A. Anbalagan said in a statement that the decision would “disrupt the culture” of Puducherry from unbridled alcohol and drug use and draw on an already hardened police force and protection staff.
A notification by Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Sundararajan allowed shops and establishments in Puducherry to remain open for business 24 hours on all days for the next three years.
The permission was contingent upon compliance with the provisions of the Puducherry Shops and Establishment Act, 1964 (Puducherry Act 36 of 1964) in the interest of the public. The decision was taken based on a request from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with an aim to get better services and promote ease of doing business.
Mr Anbalagan said such a decision, based on CII inputs and without consultation, would lead to law and order issues and a waste crisis for the city.
AIADMK Deputy Secretary Vaiyyapuri Manikandan alleged in a statement that the whole purpose behind the decision appears to be to facilitate the trade of liquor, especially when even government hospitals are not functioning round the clock.