In a first, the office of assistant registrar of cooperatives department (S Ward) has directed housing societies under its jurisdiction to impose a penalty of ₹1,000 on those who are found to be wandering off in the society without a face mask.
The BMC had earlier made it mandatory for everyone to wear face masks in public spaces. Moreover, the civic body had strictly stated that it is to impose a fine of ₹1,000 on those who are to be found without one.
The management committee needs to get the approval in the special/general meeting in order to take any punitive action against the concerned for refusing to wear face masks despite the orders from the office bearers of the organization. However, due to the coronavirus, the organization is unable to convene a general meeting.
On July 15, Rajesh Tope, the Public Health Minister, had stated that the Maharashtra government is to form a committee to fix the prices of face masks and hand sanitizers so that no exorbitant rates are charged from the general public.
Tope made the remarks during a meeting which was also attended by Food and Drug Administration Minister Rajendra Shingne. He further added the adequate relief should be provided to the common people for whom the prices on masks and sanitizers should be capped. The Maharashtra government is to also ask the Centre to bring masks and sanitizers under the purview of the Essential Commodities Act, the minister added.
ALSO READ: Vending machine for face masks, gloves, sanitizers at Dadar Railway Station