In a sign of growing discontent, local shopkeepers in Dhubri, Assam, staged a strong protest on Sunday, March 16, against the labor department’s allegedly unfair enforcement of shop closure rules. The controversy centers around the department’s decision to shut down small businesses, citing Sunday as a declared local holiday, while allowing major shopping malls to operate without restrictions.
According to traders, this selective enforcement favors larger commercial establishments over small businesses, dealing a significant blow to local entrepreneurs during the peak festive season. “It’s all about double standards,” fumed a protesting trader. “Officials ignore big malls because they receive hefty bribes, but target small shop owners like us instead.” Another shopkeeper lamented the economic strain caused by such actions, echoing the widespread frustration. “If we don’t open now, when will we do business?” he wondered.
The protest has sparked renewed demands for fair treatment and transparency from authorities, with no official response yet regarding the allegations. As the standoff continues, local shopkeepers are left wondering why their establishments are forced to conform to arbitrary rules while larger malls seem to operate with impunity.
For small businesses, the stakes are higher than ever, with many struggling to make ends meet in the highly competitive market. “It’s not just about us; it’s about the survival of our community’s economy,” emphasized a determined shopkeeper. With the festive season in full swing, the pressure is on authorities to address the grievances and re-evaluate their enforcement policies to ensure a level playing field for all businesses, large and small.
As the situation remains unchanged, local shopkeepers are urging for an immediate solution to this growing crisis, which threatens the livelihoods of many and the very fabric of the community. The ball is now in the authorities’ court, and only time will tell if they will take the necessary steps to alleviate the suffering of India’s small entrepreneurs.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-dhubri-shopkeepers-protest-against-unfair-fines-imposed-by-labour-officials-1184576-2025-03-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-16 17:06:00
