Karnataka Budget 2024: Bengaluru shops, establishments get green light to stay open until 1 am

To be sure, the new proposal applies to retail outlets, juice shops, medical shops and other similar setups. Restaurants and pubs were already allowed to remain open until 1 am.

In a shot in the arm to Karnataka’s economy, shops and establishments will be allowed to remain open until 1 am in India’s IT capital, Bengaluru, and 10 other corporations, the Karnataka state government announced in its budget on February 16.

This is a welcome move for several businesses in the state that have been pushing for an extension of the current deadline, which ends at 11 pm in most areas. Last year, the state government even received requests to allow establishments to operate around the clock, and many viewed its fresh proposal as a step in that direction. However, sources told Moneycontrol that it was not feasible to let shops operate 24/7 due to a shortage of police personnel.

To be sure, the new proposal applies to retail outlets, juice shops, medical shops and other similar setups. Restaurants and pubs were already allowed to remain open until 1 am.

“Shops and establishments will be allowed to be open till 1 am in Bengaluru and 10 other corporation areas in order to further trade and commerce,” Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said in his budget speech.

Associations hailed the government’s move. “It’s definitely a good move by the government,” said PC Rao, president, Bruhath Bangalore Hotel Association.

During his speech, the chief minister made a slew of other announcements, including the expansion of Bengaluru Metro to Tumakuru and Devanahalli. Siddaramaiah also allocated Rs 150 crore towards the new animation and gaming policy.

Women power

Another initiative was the government’s move to launch Cafe Sanjeevini. “50 women-run cafes with the name of Cafe Sanjeevini will be launched across the State during this year at a cost of Rs.7.50 crore,” the chief minister said during his speech.

These canteens will address the demand and supply gap in rural areas for healthy, hygienic and affordable cooked food and traditional local cuisine, the statement added.

In another move to help women, the state government in collaboration with (the) Coffee Board, said one lakh women members of self-help groups (SHGs) will be trained as coffee entrepreneurs.

Besides that, 2,500 coffee kiosks managed exclusively by the said SHG women will be set up at a cost of Rs 25 crore, the government said on February 16.