Retailers Association of India (RAI) has been working with Government of Karnataka (GoK) to create a retail policy for the state. RAI is pleased to inform you that the GoK announced the Karnataka Retail Trade Policy on 13 June 2016.

This is the first time that the state of Karnataka has announced a policy facilitating retail trade in the state.

The policy allows relaxation of rules under the Shops and Establishments Act with respect to working hours, work shifts and employment of part-time workers. The policy also allows the retail sector to operate 365 days a year with extended working hours from 5 am to 11 pm. Furthermore, the policy also relaxes working hours for women and permits maintenance of various records in an electronic format.

The policy will be valid for five years from the date of notification and aims to enhance ease of doing business in the state.
RAI believes that the announcement of the policy will take retail trade in the state of Karnataka to a new high.

A copy of the policy can be downloaded here.