Sanitization drive inadequate in Delhi marketplaces: CAIT

Even as economic activities and shops gradually open up, the Confederation of All-India Traders (CAIT) today said that the authorities have not undertaken any exercise to sanitize the premises.

In a letter to Anil Baijal, Lt Governor, Delhi, CAIT said that even after 10 days of opening up of shops, no sanitization operations have taken place.

“We are constrained to bring to your kind notice that even after 10 days of opening of shops, no sanitization operations have commenced in any market of Delhi,” CAIT said in the letter. Commercial markets are in a very shabby condition; loads of garbage can be seen in markets which have now become a source of corona spread in Delhi.

Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general, CAIT said that as the economy is opening up, the lack of sanitization drive can push up the Covid-19 cases even further.

He said that municipal authorities have not visited most of the marketplaces.

CAIT also said that in the 60 days of national lockdown, the Indian retail sector has incurred a loss of about Rs 9 lakh core, which could translate into a revenue loss of about Rs.1.5 lakh crore to both Central and state governments in the form of goods and services tax. “Traders across country are facing acute financial crunch and, in absence of any policy support from the government, many are worried about the future of their businesses,” Khandelwal said.

Besides, the retail sector much like many other industries has been hit by an acute shortage of labor and non-availability of transport. Customers have also been avoiding visiting the marketplaces.

CAIT said that many retailers may be forced to shut shop, which in turn will lead to job losses. There are about seven crore traders providing employment to 40 crore people..