The Government of India (GoI) on December 08, 2023, issued the Shopkeepers' Welfare Bill, 2022.
The following has been stated namely: -
• This bill shall administer the Fund for the Welfare of Shopkeepers and penalize the derogatory use of the word 'dukaandari' to uphold the dignity of shopkeepers and for matters connected therewith.
• A Fund shall be set-up known as the Shopkeepers' Welfare Fund for welfare of shopkeepers.
• The Fund shall be administered by a Board to be called the Shopkeepers Welfare Board. The Board shall determine the purposes for which the Fund shall be utilized.
• Whoever intentionally insults or intimidates with an intent to humiliate a shopkeeper in any place within public view through the use of the word "Dukaandari" in a derogatory manner or in a manner wherein it is used to draw a comparison with malpractices done by organisations or individuals or services or activity shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to one year and with fine, or both.
• It shall come into force at once
[Bill No. 107 of 2022]
