-Mansi Mistry
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. It is the most populated city in India. Bombay is considered to be metropolitan and one of the most developed cities in the country. Also termed as the financial capital of India, it is the focal centre of commerce in terms of global financial flow, accounting of industrial output, maritime trade in India and capital transactions to the country’s economy. Mumbai is the juncture of a huge market for different types of Goods and Services with innumerable business opportunities for the aspirants.
Aditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, leader and chairperson of the Shiv Sena, and grandson of Bal Thackeray is currently the head of Yuva Sena, a youth wing of Shiv Sena. It was his idea to give a permit to shops, malls and cinema halls amongst other entertainment industries to remain open 24 hours. This amendment was suggested by him under the Shops and Establishments Act to the BMC. Along with the entertainment outlets, it was proposed that different chemist outlets and regular shops remain open 24 hours under the proposition that it will boost the city’s financial development and economy.
Positive aspects of City of 7 Islands! For 7 Days? 24 Hours?
- It will bring relief and ease to Mumbaikars who work until late hours
- A vibrant and energetic city must have all-night entertainment and shopping avenues to keep on par with development and advancements across globe
- It will be very beneficial to retailers
- An equal level margin field between the markets of online and offline retailers which results in equal share in the market and equal opportunities
- There will be more people who will come out of their houses in the night and the anti-social elements will have to think twice before carrying out their destructive and illegal activities. However, this point is a debatable one
- Will make the city more attractive
- Will lead to maximizing of employment generation which in the long run will curb poverty and income inequality
- Responsible citizens deserve time to enjoy the city nightlife and have a healthy work-life balance
- Availability of different goods and services for customers
- Medical emergencies will be easily available
- Increase in the number of Police Patrols resulting in the safety of the civilians
- Overall and organized planning of the city
- Will improve the convenience and comfort of the people
The argument of “Mumbai thrives on its nightlife” cropped up amongst the decision-makers of the city. Aditya Thackeray’s proposition of Mumbai’s nightlife – a move that resonated well and connected with the youth of the city also reasoned out to be a good political move to attract the young generation. ‘Special entertainment zones’ in areas such as Nariman Point, Bandra Kurla Complex, Carter Road and allowing establishments in malls like High Street Phoenix in Lower Parel to run all night were proposed. However, this submission was also termed as ‘immoral’ and ‘not cultured’ by a few. The bill was also termed as people’s ‘happiness requirements’ and as ‘wants’ and not necessities.
Negative aspects of City of 7 Islands! For 7 Days? 24 Hours?
- Increased police force will be required to keep in check the illegal activities
- An increased rate of urbanisation leading to population explosion
- Increase in traffic and thereby more population due to migration of people to the city
- Employers might take advantage of this and force extra working hours on the employees
- A direct and indirect increase the number of crimes and illegal activities
- An increase in the noise level and pollution in the city
- The change might hamper the sleep cycle of the city’s population
- A vague increase in the alcohol consumption of people
- The safety of women and children on an increased risk
- Increase in vandalism, gangsterism, fights, drunkenness, drug addiction, prostitution
- Might increase stress amongst people
- Will increase in drunken driving and indirectly increase accidents
- Due to physical and psychological aspects, it might age people faster
- Obesity rates will be higher
- Lopsided Development
Just like the way it is said that a coin has two sides, every aspect of a law has a positive as well as a negative side. Considering Mumbai as an ever-growing baby, it is suggested that safety and development go hand-in-hand. Mumbai is a city which moulds itself in different ways and means. After all, we are proud to say, “Yeh hai Mumbai meri jaan”.