Retailers in Pune slam weekend ‘action’ against shops

PUNE: Retailers from the city have approached the mayor, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the police to stop action against shopkeepers during weekends.
The retailers’ body said that shopkeepers in different areas faced action on Sunday, despite essential shops and grocery stores being allowed to operate on weekends till 4pm.
“We received inputs from retailers from areas like Kondhwa, BT Kawde Road, Aundh and Mundhwa about action taken. We have approached the authorities in this regard. Shopkeepers who have been following the 4pm deadline on all days will continue to do so,” Sachin Nivangune of the retailers’ association said on Monday.
He said that such actions may lead to confusion among traders, hence the association is attempting to establish better coordination with the administration and the police. “Our association members on Monday approached the local police stations. We also discussed the matter with mayor Muralidhar Mohol who has assured us that no unnecessary action will be initiated against shopkeepers,” Nivangune said.
A PMC official said that teams have been formed at the ward offices to conduct regular checks in the markets.