Shopping Malls, Shops Ordered to Close by 8 pm

The government has ordered shopping malls, markets and shops across the country to remain open from 11 am to 8 pm as part of measures to conserve electricity and manage energy consumption. All illuminated billboards must also be switched off by 7 pm.
The Ministry of Power and Energy issued the directive in a notification on Wednesday (August 12).

According to the notification, shopping malls, markets and shops may now operate from 11 am until 8 pm. Previously, the government had allowed these establishments to remain open until 9 pm from June 11.

The government has also decided to keep all forms of decorative lighting switched off. The same operating hours will apply to fairs, trade fairs and cultural events held in different parts of the country.

However, restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies will remain outside the scope of the directive.

Mayors or administrators of all city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure compliance with the new schedule.

The authorities have urged all concerned to strictly follow the prescribed operating hours.