Traders say shutting shop completely in case it is imposed again won’t be in their interests, insist they will keep stores open
Shops shut in Dharavi during last year’s lockdown. Pic/Shadab Khan
The government plans to impose lockdown 2.0 to control the worrying increase in COVID-19 patients, and traders are unhappy with it. They say a lockdown is not the only option and will not keep their shops shut if it is imposed.
mid-day spoke to the representatives of several traders’ associations regarding their plans. Federation of Retail Cloth dealers’ Association’s Honorary Secretary, Haren Mehta said, “Lockdown is not a solution. Trains and buses are running at full capacity. They have to decrease crowds and divide timings for 50 per cent capacity. In many areas Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officers don’t take action. If a politician holds a function then the rules will be different for him or her. The BMC should act against hawkers who don’t wear masks and don’t maintain social distancing. We keep sanitisers in our shops and also check the temperature of customers. Masks are compulsory in shops. We had earlier shut shop for four months in the previous lockdown and supported the government, but now we cannot.”
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‘Small labourers will suffer’
Federation of Associations of Maharashtra President Vinesh Mehta said, “The government should focus on giving vaccines to people and not on a lockdown. If there is a lockdown again, then small labourers such as those who work in the shops will be jobless. Inflation will return. We will write to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asking him to think about shopkeepers and their workers. The financial condition of traders is already weak. The vaccine should be given to everyone immediately and in 2-3 months COVID-19 will be in control. We oppose the lockdown.” Some traders agreed to restrictions but not on a complete lockdown.
‘Lockdown not a solution’
Chamber of Association Of Maharashtra Industry and Trade secretary Mitesh Mody said, “Restrictions on time will be acceptable to us but a complete lockdown with our shops closed is not affordable for us. COVID-19 is not spreading through markets but due to the carelessness of people who don’t wear masks and don’t maintain social distancing. The government should not allow night gatherings, religious and political party functions. The previous lockdown was a good decision. A lockdown now is not a solution.”
Only restrictions
Federation of Retail Traders’ Welfare Association President Viren Shah said, “Due to the lockdown few people will go out. A complete lockdown will not be imposed. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government is not in favour of a complete lockdown. Maximum vaccinations is the solution and people have to take precautions of wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, etc. Other states have imposed lockdowns but in Mumbai there will be some restrictions and we should follow them.”
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