Gurgaon holiday issue remains unresolved

Chandigarh, May 5 (UNI) The deadlock over weekly off in Gurgaon markets remained unresolved today as the traders of the area could not reach a consensus as to when they should keep their shops closed-Sunday or Tuesday.

Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rakesh Gupta, who heard various associations and unions of traders today, deferred the decision till May 14.

The DC said till May 14, the latest order of the government with regard to the weekly off in Gurgaon would be implemented in letter and spirit.

As per the latest orders, the markets in old Gurgaon would observe weekly holiday on Sunday and the markets in DLF, Sushant Lok and other areas in new Gurgaon, including shopping malls, would remain closed on Tuesday.

Those found violating the directions of the government, would be challaned, said the Deputy Commissioner.

In order to find an amicable solution to the weekly off controversy in Gurgaon tehsil area, Mr Gupta had convened a meeting of various trade unions and shopkeepers' associations today.

However, the DC said that various associations of traders failed to reach a consensus on the issue.

He had also got a survey conducted by Labour Department officials to know whether the majority of shopkeepers wanted to have weekly off on Sunday or Tuesday.

The DC said he would decide on the issue by May 14.

It may be recalled that on the demand of various trade associations of Gurgaon, the state government had issued directions to observe a holiday on Tuesday instead of Sunday.

The directions were implemented by the district administration and for the first time the shopping malls in Gurgaon were closed on Tuesday.

But some other organisations of traders demanded to keep weekly off on Sunday and their contention was that Sunday was a holiday in schools, colleges and various offices so they could enjoy holiday with their family members at least once in a week.

This suggestion of the traders was also forwarded to the government by the Labour Department and the state government revising its earlier order decided to keep weekly off on Sunday for shops and markets located in old Gurgaon city whereas the shopping malls and business establishments in DLF, Sushant Lok and other bazaars in new Gurgaon were to remain closed on Tuesday.

UNI MA BJR BD1855