Chandigarh, May 5

A delegation of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM) today called on UT Adviser Manoj Parida and senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon and submitted a memorandum regarding the opening of shops of non-essential goods on the pattern of banks and offices with 50 per cent staff. They demand relief for the trading community that has been incurring loss during the lockdown.

Charanjiv Singh, president, CBM, said non-essential traders should be allowed to open their shops with 50 per cent staff. “The lockdown will be a big blow to the revival of businesses after huge losses due to the slow economy and adverse impact of the lockdown last year,” he said.

Won't open liquor vends: UT admn

Chandigarh: The UT Administration on Wednesday turned down the request regarding opening liquor vends and hardware retail shops in the city on the pattern of Punjab. Meanwhile, members of the Vyapar Sadan, Chandigarh, suggested that all essential sector trades should be allowed to operate from 6 am to 12 noon and all non-essential sector trades should be allowed to operate strictly from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Anil Vohra, patron, CBM, said instead of closing non-essential shops, all shops should be allowed to open on an odd-even basis so that essential and non-essential shopkeepers get an equal opportunity to work during the partial lockdown.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, general secretary, CBM, appealed to the Adviser to compensate the traders by reducing electricity, water and property tax bills proportionately.

The Adviser assured the traders to take up the matter in the upcoming war room meeting. — TNS