After the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday night allowed the opening of neighbourhood and standalone shops, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) has sought more clarity on the circular for easier implementation.
The Union Home Ministry said, "Giving relaxation in the category of Commercial and private establishments, MHA has issued an order to all States/UTs, to allow opening of all shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighbourhood and standalone shops. Shops in market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open. Shops in single & multi-brand malls would not be allowed to open anywhere.”
It added that it would be mandatory for all permitted shops to open only with 50% strength of workers, ensure compulsory wearing of masks and strict adherence to social distancing norms.
However, RAI says that terms like market complexes are not easily understood. “We at RAI are willing to work with the Government to make this process of opening retail easier without compromising on social distancing norms,” it said.
RAI further recommended that the government open all channels of retail on a date that it feels safe with the social distancing norms clearly defined. Local authorities can ensure strict implementation and action.
RAI also said that malls in the country should also be allowed to open as they are professionally run and would be able to control the environment for safety and social distancing.
On Saturday, the ministry further issued a clarification stating that the order implies that in rural areas, all shops, except those in shopping malls are allowed to open.
Meanwhile in urban areas, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. Shops in markets/market complexes and shopping malls are not allowed to open.
It further clarified that e-commerce companies can only continue to deliver essential goods and that the sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management.
However, the order does not apply to areas declared as containment zones or hotspots and no shops will be allowed to open in these areas.