Should Bhopal Have a Standardized Market Closing Time?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Bhopal is facing a surge in crime, especially against women, during late-night hours. MP Alok Sharma is advocating for a uniform market closing time to combat these issues. His call for action raises important questions about safety and regulation in the city. Will this lead to a safer environment for Bhopal's residents?
Key Takeaways
- Rising crime rates in Bhopal are concerning, especially against women.
- MP Alok Sharma advocates for uniform market closing hours.
- Late-night market operations may contribute to increased crime.
- Engagement with law enforcement is crucial for public safety.
- Implementation of regulations like the Gumasta Act is vital for order.
Bhopal, May 27 (NationPress) BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Bhopal, Alok Sharma, has raised alarms over the escalating rate of crimes against women and street crime, particularly during late-night hours within the city.
Sharma pointed out that the increase in criminal activities can be attributed to a relaxed stance taken by the police and district administration regarding law enforcement.
He noted that while most markets in Bhopal typically close by 10 or 10:30 p.m., numerous markets in the old city remain open all night long.
"Late-night congregations of anti-social elements are exacerbating the crime rate," Sharma stated, highlighting that shops in neighborhoods like New Market, MP Nagar, Jumerati, Hanumanganj, Chowk Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Hamidia Road, Bitton Market, Bairagarh, and Kolar Road generally shut down by 10 p.m.
Conversely, markets such as Qazi Camp, Lakshmi Talkies, Budhwara, Chowki Imamwada, Char Batti, Imami Gate, Itwara, Mangalwara, Shaban Square, and Jinsi Market remain operational throughout the night, he added.
"Why are there two different regulations -- one for the old city and a different one for the rest of Bhopal?" Sharma queried during a press conference on Tuesday.
He mentioned that he had met with the Bhopal Police Commissioner and the District Collector, urging them to enforce a city-wide rule requiring all markets to close by 10 p.m.
Sharma, who previously held the title of Mayor of Bhopal before becoming a Member of Parliament, also requested enhanced night-time patrolling during his dialogue with Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra.
This isn't the first occasion Sharma has brought up this matter. In 2024, he made similar appeals, after which the district administration implemented the Gumasta Act across the city, establishing an 11 p.m. closing time for markets. The enforcement of this mandate was assigned to the Police and the Municipal Corporation.
Point of View
The rising crime rates in Bhopal demand immediate attention. While the call for uniform market closing hours by MP Alok Sharma addresses a critical facet of public safety, it also highlights the broader systemic issues within the local law enforcement framework. A unified approach to market regulations could potentially enhance security and foster a safer environment for all residents.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alok Sharma's proposal for Bhopal?
Alok Sharma is advocating for a uniform market closing time across Bhopal to combat rising crime rates.
Why does Sharma think market closing times are important?
He believes that late-night market operations contribute to gatherings of anti-social elements, increasing crime.
What actions has Sharma taken regarding this issue?
He has met with the Bhopal Police Commissioner and the District Collector to urge them to enforce a 10 p.m. closing time for all markets.
What is the Gumasta Act?
The Gumasta Act is a regulation that was invoked to set a city-wide closing time for markets, which was previously enforced to close by 11 p.m.
How does this issue affect women's safety?
The rise in crimes, especially against women during late-night hours, underscores the need for effective measures like standardized closing times to ensure their safety.
