Maharashtra Government’s decision to impose ‘Break the Chain’ a circulation regarding COID-19 restrictions was just a twist of words while some were of the opinion that it is a lockdown without using the word lockdown. Many traders also opposed the decision of closing non-essential items shops and other services as well.
B C Bhartia, National President of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), while talking to The Live Nagpur said, there is no doubt that citizens should be protected from corona virus. But is shutting down trade and business is the only solution?
“Before 20th April payment of GST is to be made. If not paid late fee, penalty and interest is levied. March 31 has just ended. Account books are required to be closed. Final closing entries are to be passed. Where ever required tax has to be deducted and deposited in Government treasury. If not done timely then again interest and penalty is attracted.”
“This is first week of month. Most of retail sales happen in this month. With market closed how economy will go down. Festive season is starting with Indian Vikramditya new year coming followed by Nav Ratri, Ram Navmi, Chettichand, Mahavir Jayanthi, Hanuman Janmaotshav etc. All these are occasions for small retail traders to do business. Due to lockdown all these will have to face starving situation,” He said.
Many persons take delivery of white goods and automobiles on Indian Vikramditya New Year. They have already booked the goods with the delivery schedule for New Year. What will happen to their business? After a year, traders were expecting business as marriage season is going to start from April 22. With this lockdown another year will go. Summer is followed by the rainy season. All the material in the shop and godown will expire or get deteriorated. Traders have suffered last year now they can sustain a loss of one more year.
Automobile shops also have attached with workshop. The workshop has to be kept open to provide services to Ambulance, water supply vehicles, goods vehicles, buses, etc.
“If this lockdown is implemented then there will be large-scale discontentment. We fear that what Mahatma Gandhi did with Britishers a similar non-cooperation movement may start” Bhartia warns.
The spread of coronavirus may be brought under control but if there is civil disobedience then it may become very difficult to bring the situation under control. “We earnestly request you to reconsider the decision to keep non-essential items shops and private office closed up to 30th April in Maharashtra,” Bhartia, requested.
