Hours after the Union government on Wednesday approved a model law that allows shops, malls, and cinema halls among other establishments to remain open 24 hours, the Shiv Sena has said that it was Aaditya Thackeray’s idea that the Centre has now cleared.In 2014, Yuva Sena chief Aaditya had urged the BMC to ease restrictions under the Shops and Establishments Act to allow restaurants to remain open 24x7, in a bid to make Mumbai’s nightlife more vibrant.On Wednesday, Anil Desai, the Sena MP in Rajya Sabha, said that the Narendra Modi government hadn’t done anything new.“Allowing eateries to operate 24x7 was Adityajee’s idea. We also want all chemist outlets and regular shops to remain open 24 hours. That will boost the city’s economy,” Desai said, adding, “Adityajee’s plan will finally be implemented. I’m sure it will bring relief to all Mumbaikars who work till late into the night.”While the Mumbai Police top brass refused to comment on the development, the retailers have welcomed the move, saying a vibrant city must have all-night entertainment and shopping avenues.The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) said that it has already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with suggestions. The FRTWA president, Viren Shah, said that the move was expected to pave way for a level-playing field between online and offline retailers.Pointing out that the amendment was not applicable to shops and establishments having less than 10 employees, Shah said, “There are many small stores having less than 10 employees, who are facing competition from online players and from malls. Getting rid of the 10 employee clause will make a huge difference.”PV Sunil, CEO and director of Carnival Cinemas, also welcomed the move. “Only keeping cinema halls open 24x7 is not feasible. The government has done the right thing by allowing malls and food courts to function the entire night,” he said. “Mumbai thrives on its night life. This decision will boost the city’s economy,” he said.Bharat Thakur, chairman of the Performance Bar Association, which is affiliated to AHAR, said that the cops need not worry as the move will, in fact, lead to a safer city. “More people will come out of their houses in the night, and the anti-social elements will have to think twice before carrying out their activities,” he said.“The main aim of this Bill is to increase employment generation. Like in the case of malls, which operate all seven days in week and they don't have any fixed working hours. All those shops where number of workers is 10 or more should be allowed to choose timings and days,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in Delhi.The law, which covers shops and establishments employing 10 or more workers except manufacturing units, will not require Parliament's approval.Jaitley said, “As it is a model Bill on a state subject, it will be sent to the states. The Bill also prescribed for compulsory holidays and provides for a provision for permitting women to work in night shifts.”He further said, “The employment generation was less as there was discrimination against women. Besides there are provision for transportation and other amenities.”The Centre has been receiving suggestions to enact the model law, which the states could consider for enforcement either by adopting the central law or necessary modifications by the state law.