Mini-lockdown: MP, MLAs, DC hold meeting with traders, market bodies

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, May 7

The district administration today assured the traders’ association that the demands of shops and other commercial establishments falling under the non-essential category would be brought into the notice of the state government to an amicable resolution to facilitate these traders.

Hearing the issues of the traders’ association here at the District Administrative Complex, Member of Parliament Chaudhary Santokh Singh stated that they would apprise the state government about the genuine concerns of trading and shopkeepers fraternity so that their outlets could be opened following necessary restrictions.

The MP accompanied by MLAs Pargat Singh, Rajinder Beri, Sushil Rinku, Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, Surinder Chaudhary and Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori held detailed discussions with representatives of various trade organisations.

Chaudhary pointed out that a viable solution was being mulled by the authorities to allow operations of non-essential shops in a systematic manner. He said the DC would draft a proposal in this regard and send it to the state government for final approval after which new instructions would be enforced in the city.

Meanwhile, the administration also sought feedback from various shopkeepers and market associations to evolve such a system where opening of shops and Covid appropriate behaviour could be maintained without any fail. Thori said the meeting was held with all representatives to evolve a consensus based mechanism to draft further restrictions keeping in view the requirements of various stratum of the market. He said the feedback would be sent to the government and after the approval of the same it would be implemented from Monday.

The DC also apprised representatives of various trade organisations of the current situation in the district especially when there was a shortage of beds and oxygen supply and cases were rising at an alarming rate. He urged people not to step out of their homes unnecessarily. The DC also encouraged the shopkeepers to form committees to monitor the implementation of Covid appropriate behavior, including social distancing, sanitisation, face-masking for everyone, and activities in a segregated manner.

Prominent among others present on the occasion included SSP Dr Sandeep Garg, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal, Jasbir Singh, DCP Gurmeet Singh and representatives of various trade and market associations.