Closure of weekly markets hits rural economy

Aurangabad, June 17:

Despite the markets being unlocked, the rural economy has been hit hard as the administration has not allowed the reopening of weekly markets. There are 92 weekly markets organised in 9 tehsils of the district every week. The total annual turnover of all these markets is between Rs 300 to Rs 350 crores.

Due to increase in the number of covid patients, the weekly markets in the district were closed since March 13 as per the orders of the district administration. The weekly market has a turnover of Rs 2-10 lakh. The entire economy of the village depends on the weekly markets. However, the weekly markets have been closed for the last 3 months, which has hit the rural economy hard. Meanwhile, the district administration announced an unlock in urban areas and also allowed shops in rural areas with restrictions. But no orders were issued for the weekly markets. Hundreds of vendors who rely on the weekly markets for business have been unemployed. A second hand television seller, Imran Khan said, I sell second hand TVs in the Sunday market in Mondha. But the market has been closed for the past three months. We are now finding it difficult to feed our family. The administration should reopen the weekly markets as soon as possible or provide us with financial assistance. Meanwhile, administrative officer Sillod municipal council Azhgar Pathan said, the closure of weekly markets has hit the rural economy hard. The markets will be closed till the reopening orders are issued.

Covid numbers contant in rural areas

The administration has been able to bring down the covid numbers in urban areas. However, the covid cases in rural areas have been constant. There is a high chance of the virus spreading further if the weekly markets are opened.