Markets in Punjab will now be open 24 hours

October 8, 2026

Assembly elections are scheduled for early next year in Punjab. A code of conduct will be implemented before then. Before this comes into effect, the government is taking several decisions to satisfy, motivate, and encourage the public. These include the recent decision to provide ₹1,000 per month to women and ₹1,500 per month to women from the Scheduled Caste category, the second installment of which was recently distributed. Along with this, a new announcement has been made for Punjab’s business community. This announcement will cover everything from Punjab’s markets to malls. The announcement states that all these commercial establishments are permitted to keep their shops and markets open seven days a week, and even 24 hours a day, if they so desire. This is called the 24×7 exemption announcement. If a few merchants or markets choose not to avail themselves of this privilege, they can continue with their old working hours. However, it is hoped that those who earn money from business will now at least end the practice of keeping their shops closed on Sundays. From malls to hotels, restaurants, and clubs, they can remain open for up to 24 hours as per their wish. The government has clarified in this directive that any market or commercial establishment that avails of this privilege will have to make additional arrangements for the safety of female employees. If complaints arise about flaws in the system, this exemption can be revoked. This is undoubtedly a fundamental change, realizing the vision of night markets like those in Western countries. Clearly, this will require significant arrangements. Shop owners will have to double their staff, meaning there will be more daytime employees and more nighttime employees. There’s also the question of security and discipline. Often, the administration orders shops, restaurants, and clubs to close by midnight due to fears of indiscipline, unrest, and hooliganism. Now, if this change is going to happen, the number of disciplined vigilantes, private security officers, and attendants will also have to be increased. Businesses in markets that want to make a profit can create a pool of security officers. It remains to be seen how successful this announced transformation will be.