Karna cabinet approves draft retail trade policy

The Karnataka cabinet today approved the draft Retail Trade Policy, which allows simplification of labour laws and restricts food and grocery retailing staff from participating in labour strikes. "The cabinet has given a nod to the draft Retail Trade Policy...," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra told reporters here.
He said the policy allows relaxation of stocking limit under Essential Commodities Act (Esscom) and promotes Human Resource Development and Skill Development in retail enterprise.
Jayachandra said the policy also allows pragmatic implementation of packaged commodities regulations and creation of Retail Entertainment Zones. The Minister said the policy will help boost Karnataka's position in retail trade within the country and create more employment opportunities to educate the youth, especially in rural areas to take part in the sector.

It will also leverage retail trade as a tool for socio-economic development of the state, he said adding the policy proposes to appoint a nodal officer tofacilitate single window clearance.
Jayachandra was however non-committal on Retail Association of India's request to extend timings for women employees working in the retail shop up to 11 pm.