Mysuru: Seeking parity with Bengaluru, the Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has appealed to the State Government to allow commercial establishments in Mysuru to operate till 1 am.

In a representation to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Minister in-charge of Mysuru district, MCCI President Dr. K.B. Lingaraju said the Government had already permitted commercial establishments within the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and 10 other municipal corporations to function from 6 am to 1 am under a notification issued by the Labour Department.

Shops and commercial establishments employing 10 or more workers have also been allowed to operate round the clock. However, no such permission has been extended to Mysuru, he said.

Dr. Lingaraju recalled that the Chamber had submitted a representation to the CM on Aug. 13, 2024, seeking implementation of the same policy in Mysuru.

Similar representations were also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, the City Police Commissioner and the Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner, but no action has been taken so far.

The Chamber said extending business hours in Mysuru would benefit residents, traders, entrepreneurs and tourists besides generating employment and increasing State revenue. It would also provide a fillip to the tourism sector, considering the large number of domestic and international visitors to the city every year.

The representation pointed out that traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru has increased significantly, resulting in rapid commercial and industrial growth in the city. It said a growing number of visitors now arrive in Mysuru during late-night hours, making extended business hours necessary.

The Chamber also highlighted the difficulties faced by employees working night shifts in accessing food and essential services. Allowing commercial establishments to remain open till 1 am would help address these issues, it said.

Seeking early implementation of the policy, Dr. Lingaraju said the appeal was being made on behalf of 30 trade and business associations in Mysuru district, urging the Government to introduce the extended business hours policy in the public interest.