Unlock 2.0: Gujarat to seek more relaxations

GANDHINAGAR: Facing pressure from various quarters of society, the Gujarat government may seek additional relaxations during Unlock 2.0, which is expected to come into force from July 1.
Two major representations that have been made to the state government — increasing the timing for keeping shops and establishments open and reducing the night curfew hours. The state government has received several representations from people, complaining of “harassment” by the police and authorities for keeping shops and establishments open beyond the permitted time and violating night curfew.
During Unlock 1.0 which is presently in force, shops and establishments cannot remain open beyond 7pm. Night curfew remains in force from 9pm to 5am.
Sources said the government has been receiving feedback from MLAs and various trade bodies over these issued. “People moving in the city after 9pm have been facing problems because the police have been enforcing the night curfew. People arriving in the city by ST buses after 9pm are also facing harassment,” the source said.,
Besides, restaurants, gyms, shop owners and work establishments have made representations and requested that the 7pm deadline to close down shops, restaurants and other establishments is causing them huge financial losses. “There could be further relaxations in timings for restaurants and other establishments when Unlock 2.0 comes into force. In fact, all timing restrictions could be done away with a strict warning that all social distancing and other pandemic related protocols should be followed. However, all relaxations will be subject to government of India approval,” the source said.
Restaurant business is among the worst affected with the restrictions in operational hours imposed by the government.
Narendra Somani, president, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association (HRA) – Gujarat, said, “More than 80% of restaurant business takes place in the evening. The restriction in timings is a major deterrent to our business which has reduced to barely 10% in terms of order volumes for takeaways and dine-in services put together.”
Retail footfalls are also low and with restrictions in timings, retailers are facing steeper challenges in recovering business.
“Being scared of a forced shut down, retailers are shutting shops by 6pm itself in most parts of Gujarat. With Unlock 1.0 set to end in a week’s time, the government should consider allowing shops to remain open till late and lift curfew restrictions altogether,” said Jayendra Tanna, president, Gujarat Traders’ Federation (GTF).