The Labour Department in Uttar Pradesh has taken an unusual step to tackle the problem of power shortage in the state. The department has revised the opening and closing timing for the shops, restaurants and malls in the state due to the severe power shortage.

"For the next 15 days all shops and malls in the state, excluding medical stores, will open at 11 am and close at 7 pm," read an official statement in the state capital Lukhnow. All restaurants will have the permission to remain open from between 11 am and 10 pm, according to a spokesperson for the department.

The spokesperson also said that the decision to reduce the power supply was taken keeping in mind the limit availability of power supply in the state. The new timing comes into effect immediately and violators will face tough action.

The move is likely to provide some relief to the people and farmers in the state, who were facing problems due to shortage of power. The move will also lift some pressure on the authorities who were struggling to manage power supply in the state during the heavy-demand summer season.

The UP Power Corporation Limited has also imposed a ban on decorative lighting and hoardings after 8.30 pm.