Aurangabad, March 28:
The Jilha Vyapari Masahangh has demanded that all shops should remain open till 2 pm and strict lockdown should be implemented thereafter. The members also submitted a memorandum to district collector on Sunday.
The lockdown is being opposed from all levels. Traders have also opposed the lockdown from the outset. Against this backdrop, the office bearers of the mahasangh met collector Chavan and gave him a statement. Giving more information, mahasangh president Jagannath Kale, said that the corona infection was already on the rise, affecting all businesses. The lockdown last year had caused a huge financial crisis for most traders. Many had to close their businesses. The number of patients had also increased despite the lockdown. Lockdown is not an option. However, the state government and the district administration have decided to go for another lockdown. Only 40 per cent of businesses are allowed to remain open until 12 noon. This has led to a feeling of victimization among traders. During lockdown, all businesses should be allowed to be open from 7 am to 2 pm, after which lockdown should be started. This will reduce the financial losses of all traders and customers will not crowd markets. Many have March-end work left. This includes preparation of stock statement, filing of GST return, filing of income tax returns. Similarly, the deadline for payment of property tax of the corporation is March 31. It was requested that the administration should consider the deadline. The collector assured that he will consider the demands. Secretary Laxminarayan Rathi, Pankaj Loya and Dilip Chotlani were present.