Partial relaxation: Hosiery, stationery shops to remain open

Staff Reporter :

Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe reverses stance of NMC and also hints at further review in time to come

Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to softened its lockdown measures to some extent in an effort to blunt the public criticism. The city has now been segregated in containment and non containment zones, as was expected at the end of lockdown 2.0. But instead Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe was of view that conditions in city are not ideal for any relaxation and hence decided to further tighten the restrictions while enhancing lockdown till May 17.

However within 24 hours, Municipal Commissioner seemed to had undergone a change of heart and has now taken initiative to allow opening of hosiery and stationery shops in the city. However the relaxation in lockdown is far from satisfactory as it is unlikely to facilitate any relief for business and start-ups that are on verge of bankruptcy. Modifying the lockdown 3.0 rules, Municipal Commissioner has now said that barring four zones that are sealed, shops of non essential category, hosiery and stationery only can reopen in residential complex and those in stand alone category. Further in-situ construction sites, means where workers can reside and do not have to travel to and fro, can restart.

This is however not going to cheer the construction industry as they were expecting more concessions so that work force that is now at unease due to lack of work can be put at ease. Government Offices: Another relaxation is lockdown 3.0 is for Government offices that are permitted to function but with attendance of employees capped at just 10 per cent. All the employees will have to wear face masks and sanitizers to would be required to be made available at offices in sufficient quantity. The ban on private offices however would continue to remain in force leaving the entrepreneurs in limbo.

They will now have to wait till May 17 or further in case the lockdown is further enhanced for fourth time for fight against COVID-19. There was general belief that some private establishments outside containment zones should be allowed to function with restrictions as businesses are starting at huge losses and would need long time to come out of red. At present there are nine containment areas coming under Gandhibagh, Satranjipura, Aasi Nagar and Mangalwari Zones of NMC. Therefore, hosiery and stationery shops in Laxminagar, Dharampeth, Hanuman Nagar, Dhantoli, Nehru Nagar and Lakadganj can reopen.

However the establishments would need to observe social distancing and other norms specified from time to time. No to Liquor: For the tipplers also the news is quite bad as Municipal Commissioner ruled out any concession for wine and liquor shops. Also the pan kiosks, shopping malls, saloons and spa would continue to remain shut till further orders. Nagpurians were keen on opening of saloon shops as most of them were badly in need of hair cuts and shave. But administration still not having any success in restricting people’s unnecessary movement, the lockdown guidelines continues to be harsh on the public at large.