Pune: The Federation of Trade Associations of Pune (FATP) has warned the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) against extending the lockdown after the second phase gets over on July 23. "The traders, professionals and common citizens have had to bear losses due to the 10-day strict lockdown imposed by PMC and therefore we appeal that it should not be extended," the Federation has stated.
FATP President Fattechand Ranka and Secretary Mahendra Pitaliya on Saturday met PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar regarding the lockdown issue. During the meeting, Kumar asked the Federation office bearers to arrange COVID-19 check-up camps in the city to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Ranka said, "The previous lockdown which went on for about three months has already affected all traders. They were barely recovering from the losses after permission for staggered opening of businesses was given. But then again, this 10-day strict lockdown was imposed which has added to the woes of traders. This fresh lockdown has done immeasurable damage to the traders in the city and thus the lockdown should not be extended further."
"Traders neither get any relief from the taxes levied by the government nor do they get any grant from them. On one hand, we have to pay interest on bank loans, shop rent, inflated power bills, employee salaries and household expenses, while on the other hand businesses are completely shut. The government has imposed this lockdown and they should help traders get out of this mess created due to the lockdown," Ranka said.
"There is a need to bring back the economy on track and hence PMC should allow businesses to reopen. The odd-even basis of the staggered opening should be done away with. It will help clear all confusion in the minds of traders as well as citizens," he added.
Ranka also stated that the FATP has welcomed the suggestion of Commissioner Kumar to arrange for COVID-19 checkup camps in the city. "We will start working on it after July 23," Ranka said.
Edited by:
Khevna Pandit
