Delhi:
Delhi Government on Friday directed all shops and commercial establishments in the city to remain closed on October 3 and October 14, the days of opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games respectively.
Also, malls and theaters adjacent to the market area will remain shut on the respective days.
In a notification, issued under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, the government, however, made it clear that no deduction should be made from the wages of any employee on account of holiday on both the days.
In view of the notification, the Confederation of All India Traders(CAIT) advised trade bodies across the city to observe closure of their business establishments on both the days.
All central government offices including Public Sector Undertakings as well as Delhi Government offices in the national capital will also remain closed on October 14.
The opening Ceremony of the mega event will be held on October 3 which is a Sunday while the Closing Ceremony falls on Thursday.
Being a weekend, Delhiites expressed their sorrow as people will have to remain indoors the entire day with nothing much to do. However, some also agreed that it was necessary for security reasons.
The Union Cabinet has already declared October 14 as holiday as per the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Schools and colleges will also remain closed in the city during the period of the Games.