Most trade associations oppose lockdown, want strict distancing

Nagpur: Leaders of the city’s trade associations, who met municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday, agree that if discipline is not ensured in the coming days, lockdown and curfew would be the only option. They insist, however, that if the authorities now implement a lockdown it has to be strict, with curfew in effect too. No shops, except medical stores, should get leeway, and even grocery stores should be shut. They also offered to create awareness before a decision is finally taken.
TOI contacted leaders of major trade associations, and a majority of them said that in case the public, including traders, don’t comply, a strict lockdown and curfew needs to be clamped.
The Nagpur Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), which is the umbrella body of 180 trade associations, has decided to set up teams of volunteers. “We have resolved to free the city of corona by August 15. Each association will set up a 15-member team to monitor activities in the market areas. They will accompany NMC officials to ensure standard operating procedure (SOP) for preventing spread of infection is followed,” said Ashwin Mehadia, president of NVCC.
Mehadia said, “If violations continue despite efforts, then we have told the authorities should certainly go ahead with a strict curfew. NVCC and other associations have insisted that in case NMC goes for a lockdown, it should be followed in letter and spirit. Only medical services should remain open. There is no need for lists of essential and non-essential services. Unless there is complete shutdown, it may not help break the infection chain.”
BC Bhartia, national president of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), said he had stressed during the meeting that lockdown cannot be the solution. At the same time, if people continue to violate rules then the city cannot be put at risk, he said.
“No trader feels there should be a 14-day lockdown. We have suggested trade association should form teams of corona ambassadors, and spread awareness among public. Even the people should follow restraint,” said Bhartia.
Opposing a lockdown, as it would impact the economy, Bhartia said the civic body should impose heavy fines to deter violators.
Tejindersingh Renu, secretary of Vidarbha Taxpayers’ Association (VTA), said, “Despite restrictions on movement there has been a spike in cases because crowding continues. If people violate rules, then strict lockdown with curfew is only solution. We should give curfew another chance, it may help break the chain.”
Renu said even workers have adjusted to the new situation and are managing with limited resources.
Vishnu Pacheriwala of Nagpur Chamber of Commerce Limited (NCCL) too backed a minimum 14-day curfew and said the civic body should restrain street vendors, for whom there is no odd-even rule.
Anil Madan of the Wholesale Cloth Merchants’ Association said if there is a curfew shops selling items like milk or medicine should be allowed.
“Traders are ready to deploy staff in monitoring squads. Instead of paying them without work, they can be gainfully employed,” said Ritesh Modi of Jagnath Road Merchants, who also advocated a curfew if other measures failed.