No change in plan for opening of shops till May 3: Administration

TNN | Updated: Apr 26, 2020, 12:52 IST

VARANASI: There will be no change in opening of markets in Varanasi, said the district administration clearing confusion over Friday late night order issued by Union ministry of home affairs regarding opening of shops. The timings of the opening of markets in Varanasi, which is from 6am to 10am, will remain unchanged till May 3, it said.
District magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said, “The state government has already issued directives that lockdown measures would remain fully in force in 19 districts, where number of Covid-19 cases exceed 10 till May 3. Varanasi is among the 19 districts.”
Following an order issued by MHA regarding relaxation in the category of commercial and private establishments, allowing opening of all shops registered under shops and establishment act, the district administration was flooded by questions whether this order would be effective in Varanasi also. Many leaders of traders’ associations also contacted senior officials on Saturday, while queries kept popping on social media too.
Though MHA revised it order on Saturday clarifying the categories of locations and which shops would be opened, the traders’ fraternity frantically tried to contact administration. On Saturday afternoon, DM Sharma made it clear that there is no possibility of extension in timing of shop opening in city and rural markets in the district before May 3.
The retail markets will open from 6am to 10am, while timing of wholesale markets will also continue like past, he said.
“The shops of text books, stationery and electrical goods, which were permitted to open in morning hours are also being monitored. These shops have been asked to open to provide only home delivery, but we have reports of buyers collecting at many places, hence vigil has been increased,” the DM said.
If violation of order and social distancing norms are detected anywhere, action will be taken, he added. The district administration has already imposed ban on opening of Chowkaghat fish market and vegetable market of Lamahi area after violation of social distancing. DM said Covid-19 cases would be reviewed on May 1 and 2 before deciding which markets can be allowed to open in the district.