The responsibility of the retail crash, if it happens, will lie on the Maharashtra government." This is what Viren Shah, president of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA), told mid-day on Wednesday, when he warned of the consequences of retailers taking a heavy hit on their business as the lockdown entered its fifth consecutive phase. Even as the central government announced a lockdown extension to June 30, with many relaxations, guidelines for Maharashtra and Mumbai are expected today.

The retail federation is eagerly awaiting these. A day after Shah spoke to us, a meeting took place between Shah, Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta, during which the state government opened the floor for suggestions and advice on how to go about re-opening establishments, while ensuring maximum safety and security. "They wanted my advice and suggestions on what measures of security could be taken should shops be allowed open," Shah said.