GUWAHATI: In spite of the government allowing reopening of neighbourhood and standalone shops, many traders in Guwahati have decided to keep their respective retail outlets shut.
"I am really confused at the moment,” expressed a trader of Fancy Bazar while speaking to G Plus. Not without reason; he is obviously faced with many challenges. Adding he said, “I am yet to know when my shop can operate since my building owner is settled abroad and he cannot risk being charged under the Disaster Management Act by giving a decision and letting us run our businesses in his absence on his premises. And supposing even if he does chalk out a plan, I don't have the manpower since my staff has gone to their hometowns ahead of the lockdown. So, although the government has allowed for standalone shops to open, I don't think I will open my shop. Just not worth it!"
He added that although his staff members are in Assam and can obviously travel to Guwahati, they are worried about leaving their families in these perilous times.
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In similar instances, many businessmen have informed G Plus that they have no manpower to run their businesses owing to the lockdown. And again, another reason for not opening shops is the prevailing coronavirus scare.
"I don't wish to risk my life. Even if I open my shop twice a week, I don't think it will get me much revenue anyway; no business sense if you understand what I mean" a trader based at AT Road said.
Many opine that by passing the baton of decision making regarding opening of shops to the building owners and asking them to strictly adhere to the one-third policy, the Assam government has succeeded in continuing to strictly enforce the lockdown by instilling a sense of fear in the traders.
It should be mentioned that malls and market complexes continue to remain closed.
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