Gujarat: Traders are dissatisfied with the loss of business caused by local shutdowns.

After suffering losses the previous year, Gujarat’s trading community had just recently begun to do brisk business. Traders had already come to terms with the extended night curfew, which had no effect on their operations. However, the state government’s partial lockdown policy has made most traders uneasy, as the market climate has become volatile. A slew of restrictions have been tightened since April 29 in order to combat the vicious second wave of Covid-19 sweeping the state. The retail trade is once again in the doldrums as a result of the directive’s requirement that retail outlets and commercial establishments remain closed.

As a result, considering the large number of Covid instances, many traders are calling for markets to be allowed to function. “We are dissatisfied with the government’s policies because they are still in flux. Since the lockout rules are unclear, it is affecting our business. Last month, the authorities announced partial lockdown and then implemented full lockdown for non-essential shops and services,” said Paresh Parikh, convenor of Vadodara Vepar Vikas Association (VVVA) that has hundreds of members.

Hundreds of people trade electronic goods, industrial parts, steel, electronics, textiles, and groceries through VVVA. “While the factories are operating at 50% capacity, the shops have been asked to remain closed. So, how can we get industrial goods to them? The government’s plans should be transparent so that we can prepare for the future. We have to pay the shop’s rent, workers salaries, and other expenses as well,” said a Vadodara hardware trader. Demand has suffered as a result of the lockdown in all industries, including readymade garment shops, footwear, electronics, and others. When it comes to retail sales, consumer durables are among the hardest hit.

Shop owners in Surat have also protested against the state government, demanding that the partial lockdown be lifted. The merchants argued that large corporations and offices are permitted to function regularly when stores remain closed.

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