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Customers browse retail floors at the Blue City shopping mall in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Poland left its benchmark interest rate at a record low for a seventh meeting as central bankers stuck to their pledge of keeping monetary policy stable before it's handed over to a new panel early next year. Photographer: Piotr Malecki/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A model law that allows shops, malls and cinema halls among other establishments to run 24x7 throughout the year got the Cabinet approval on Wednesday -- a move aimed at boosting job creation and consumption-led growth.
The law also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate security and calls for better working conditions for employees such as drinking water, canteen, first aid, lavatory and creche.
"The main aim of this bill is to increase employment generation. Like in the case of malls, which operate all seven days in week and they don't have any (fixed) working hours.
All those shops where number of workers is 10 or more should be allowed to choose timings and days," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said addressing a press meet on Cabinet decisions.
In a meeting held this morning, the Union Cabinet approved Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Bill 2016.
The law, which covers shops and establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units, will not require Parliament's approval.
Jaitley said that "Since it is a model bill on a state subject, it will be sent to the states," adding, the bill also prescribed for compulsory holidays and provides for a provision for permitting women to work in night (shifts).
"The employment generation was less as there was protective discrimination. We used to protect them (women) but they were discriminated. Besides there are provision for transportation and other amenities," Jaitley said.
The model law also makes provisions for online one common registration through a simplified procedure.
It will help in generating additional employment as shops and establishments will have freedom to operate for longer hours, thereby requiring more manpower.
It also provides exemption to highly-skilled workers like those in IT and bio-technology from daily working hours (9 hours) and weekly working hours (48 hours), subject to maximum 125 over-time hours in a quarter.
The law is designed to bring in uniformity in legislative provisions, making it easier for all the states to adopt it and ensure uniform working conditions across the country.
The Centre has been receiving suggestions to enact the model law, which the states could consider for enforcement either by adopting the central law or necessary modifications by the state law.
This golden spice has gained popularity over the ages in Indian and Chinese medicine for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. "Several scientific studies have documented the effect of curcumin (found in turmeric) in decreasing blood cholesterol levels. Antioxidant properties of curcumin may also help prevent cardiovascular complications among diabetics," says Dev Khosla, co-founder of theweightmonitor.com, an Indian weight management website. Its high antioxidant levels also have also been found to help inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent Alzheimer's Disease. (credit:Lai Morris via Getty Images)
Long (Clove)(02 of09)
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Cloves are known for their heating, anti-fungal and expectorant properties. "Kahdha, the grandmother’s recipe to cure cold & cough is herbal mix of spices including cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, ginger, desi ghee and basil," says Delhi-based nutritionist Ishi Khosla, author of 'Is Wheat Killing You?' and 'The Diet Doctor'.While clove oil remains a popular remedy to relieve toothache, this strong spice itself has other benefits when taken in limited quantities: (credit:Ion-Bogdan DUMITRESCU via Getty Images)
Elaichi (Cardamon)(03 of09)
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Cardamom seeds have aromatic and warming properties, stimulate the appetite and enhance digestion. "In a hot infusion they help relieve colic, distension, gas, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and an acid stomach," says Ishi. A popular addition to spiced Indian tea, this fragrant spice is often prescribed for digestion problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal gas. "Commonly chewed after a meal, it is also used to eradicate bad breath," says Dev, based on research from theweightmonitor.com. (credit:Yelena Yemchuk via Getty Images)
Dalchini (Cinnamon)(04 of09)
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Cinnamon is known for its role in the reduction of total and bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase in good cholesterol (HDL). "It also helps improve insulin resistance, thereby making it useful in diabetes management." says Dev. (credit:moodboard via Getty Images)
Ajwain (Carom)(05 of09)
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These little seeds are excellent indigestion relievers. "They have been used over generations in Indian households to help colicky babies, ward off pregnancy constipation, and even cure hiccups," says Ishi. Carom seeds are also claimed to work well as a natural aphrodisiac. Traditional spice mix, the saunf paani including fennel, cumin, carom seeds help to ease digestion (credit:bdspn via Getty Images)
Hing (Asafoetida)(06 of09)
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Its infamous lingering odour has given it many names including devil’s dung, and stinking gum. "Asafoetida, warming in nature helps to increase digestive enzymes and boost the assimilation of nutrients," says Dev. It is a popular addition to Indian cuisine as imparts a pleasant flavour and helps in curing acne, relieving menstrual pain as well as soothing bee stings. (credit:Dave King via Getty Images)
Tej patta (Bay Leaf)(07 of09)
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Used commonly to prepare biryani and korma, Bay leaves are also added to the quintessential Indian spice mix - Garam Masala.Bay leaves help strengthen immunity, and ward off urinary tract infections," says Ishi adding that an infusion of tej patta also makes a great dandruff antidote. Aside from this, bay leaves are an excellent and non-poisonous method to protect packed clothes from hungry bugs. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Amchur (Dried mango powder)(08 of09)
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Mostly used in chutneys and curries, Amchur or dried mango powder boasts high Vitamin A and Vitamin C content, says Dev. He adds that it is popularly recommended to pregnant women due to its high iron content and also reduces acidity. (credit:Dave King via Getty Images)
Kaali Mirch (Black Peppercorns)(09 of09)
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Several scientific studies, according to Dev provide evidence that black pepper has cholesterol lowering properties and may help in cardiac function recovery after heart attacks. A word of caution adds Ishi: "piperine, a major active component in both black and white pepper, can strengthen or modify the effects of numerous other medicines, particularly blood thinning agents. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a qualified professional before using it in therapeutic doses." (credit:Brian Yarvin via Getty Images)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.