The Maharashtra Government has clamped lockdown in Maharashtra from 8 pm today to April 30 2021 to check the rising Covid pandemic. However, the business community and other sectors of the economy in Maharashtra are confused about whether there is a lockdown only for weekend days or for the rest of the whole month beginning today. There seems to be no clarity on this issue and everyone in Maharashtra stands confused. There are about 25 lakh traders in the state of Maharashtra and they are the ones who is more worried because of lockdown-said the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in a communication sent to Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Udhav Thackrey today.
CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia & Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal feared that after Maharashtra, other States who are suffering from rising coronavirus, may follow Maharashtra. Though steep increase in COVID cases is a cause of worry for every sector and there can not be two opinions about taking strict measures to combat COVID increase. However, it will be good, if trade associations may be taken into confidence before taking any such decision.
Mr. Bhartia & Mr. Khandelwal in a communication to Maharashtra CM said that undoubtedly the Covid needs to be dealt with in the most expeditious manner, however, the economic impact of such lockdown should not be overlooked. They suggested that instead of full lockdown, the shop timings should be reduced from 11 am to 5 pm and in cooperation with Trade Associations, extra efforts may be planned to maintain covid safety protocols at all levels. Entry and exit points of each market may be regulated with deployment of extra watch and ward staff by the respective trade associations.
Mr. Bhartia & Mr. Khandelwal said that during the lockdown, the role of supply chain manned by the traders assumes much significance as the total population of the state or the Country largely depends upon the traders for seamless supply of essential commodities and in the previous lockdown, the traders have risen to the occasion.
Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal while assuring utmost cooperation from the trading community have sought a meeting with Maharashtra CM Udhav Thackrey and other senior officials on this issue.
