Delhi: Odd-even threat to Sarojini market traders

NEW DELHI: A show-cause notice has been issued to the traders’ associations of Sarojini Nagar market, which states that they will be made to operate on an odd-even basis if compliance on measures regarding Covid-appropriate behaviour norms is not ensured.
The notice states that a meeting with all the stakeholders was held on July 19 during which it was directed that identity cards will be issued to all the authorised shop workers and street vendors by their respective market association by July 21.
The circular further stated that if the exercise was not carried out, the respective association will have to follow odd-even operations for their shops. The notice issued by the sub-divisional magistrate of Vasant Vihar states that out of seven market associations, only one has ensured compliance so far.
“Despite ample amount of time and relaxations as requested by the associations, till date only one market association has issued ID cards to its members and submitted compliance. Therefore, the president or general secretary of the remaining market associations are hereby required to show cause within three days of this notice, as to why they should not be made to follow odd-even operations,” the notice issued on Friday states. The market associations have been asked to submit a reply by Monday, 5pm.
Ashok Randhawa, who heads the mini-market association, said they have issued ID cards to almost all the workers and they were not informed that the list also needs to be submitted to SDM. He said that the number of workers per shop has been kept very low and it will affect the jobs of 50% workers. “When entire Delhi is opening and relaxation is being provided, why is Sarojni Nagar being targeted alone,” he asked.
The Sarojini Nagar market comprises the main market with 200 shops, Babu market with 120 shops, Sarojini Nagar mini-market with 32 shops, Thareja street vendors with 104 outlets, 304 vendors who have got relief from the high court, 65 vegetable outlets and 26 spaces for shoe cobblers and other professionals.
Earlier, on July 18, the export market section of the market was closed, citing violations in terms of social distancing. A meeting of all stakeholders of the market was held on July 9 to rectify the situation. It was decided that to restrict the entry of hawkers and regulate the crowds in the Sarojini Nagar market, passes would be issued by market associations and authorised vendors to their members and employees. Once the process is complete, police will implement access control at all five entry points to sellers possessing ID cards, while New Delhi Municipal Council would seal any gaps to prevent trespassing.