Small and mid-sized business owners express concerns regarding the lockdown

With increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Government of Maharashtra is considering another lockdown across the state. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in a recent announcement, stated that if need be, the government will have to announce another lockdown with 'minimum economic impact.'

However, it is being reported that such discussions have raised concerns among the small and mid-sized traders in Mumbai. Millions of retailers across the city are worried about their daily earnings and livelihood, stating that if another lockdown is imposed, it would make their living difficult. These vendors have been selling items like handkerchiefs, socks, mobile covers, cosmetics, etc. at the markets. Some have been involved in food stalls, and data suggests that over a lakh such businesses might be affected. 

The previously imposed lockdown in 2020 was tough for these business owners whereby they had to survive on the savings. With those being exhausted, the new lockdown, if imposed, will only add to the troubles as they state that it will now take at least a year to make up for old losses and begin saving again. 

Families will come out in the open and expressed their worries. Some believe that over six lakh citizens depend on these 1.5 lakh vendors, and if the lockdown is to be imposed, they fear starvation and a tough life ahead, on the streets. A survey related to the same was conducted by the Retail Association of India which revealed that 95 per cent of shops in the area were closed during the last lockdown. It will take at least a year to recover, whereby there are no signs that 80 per cent of retailers will again make such a profit.

COVID-19 cases across the state are on a rise, and nine districts from Maharashtra have been on the worst affected list released by the Centre. Observing the same, CM has appealed to the people to follow the rules by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. Furthermore, to strengthen the same, the fine for not wearing a mask has also been increased from INR 200 to INR 500. On the other hand, the government has imposed a night curfew until April 15, 2021, whereby malls, cinema houses, parks etc. will remain shut from 8 pm to 7 am. Restaurants and bars can only function for delivery beyond this time limit. Essential services and local trains would run as scheduled.