Mohali shops opens on odd/even pattern; markets witness rush
Harshabab Sidhu
Mohali, May 10, 2021:
The shops in markets of Mohali opened based on the pattern of odd-even for the first time on Monday amid partial lockdown in the state. The markets of Phases 3, 7, 5 and 10 witnessed heavy rush of customers, as people were seen shopping in the markets after a brief gap.
On Monday (May 10), even-numbered shops were allowed to open, while the odd-numbered shops remained closed.
Majority of shopkeepers as well as customers believe that there is no logic in implementing odd-even formula as the rush will multiply in 50% shops that are opened now.
A shopkeeper of a readymade garments showroom in Phase 7 said, “The customers who used to shop from 50 shops in the market will now have to buy items from 25 only. With this, they will throng the shops and in such a situation, it is likely to be hard to maintain social distancing.”
Another shopkeeper of Phase 3B2 said, “The administration should allow us to open all the shops now. With this staggered opening of shops, we cannot earn anything. Now, the shops will open 15 days a month, but we will have to provide a full-month salary to our workers.”
Nikhil Bhayana, a customer, said, “I don’t think the odd-even formula will prove effective. The government should open all the shops. We, the customers, will follow COVID protocols as it is our responsibility.”
However, some shopkeepers were seen quite happy with this decision. “The customers are coming in lesser numbers, but we are still happy that the administration allowed us to open shops. It is our only way of earning the livelihoods. For the last couple of days, we were under stress as the lockdown had hit us hard. Now, at least we are hoping to earn a little bit,” said a shopkeeper of Phase 10.
Beopar Mandal Mohali demanded that the traders should be provided with financial packages by the government in such tough times. Speaking to Babushahi, Vineet Verma, president of Beopar Mandal Mohali said, “The new orders of the administration have benefitted us. But still, most of the traders are unable to make their ends meet. We demand that the government should provide a financial package to all the traders.”
Sarbjit Singh Paras, president of Jeweler Association Mohali, said that it was hard to survive for the traders as in the lockdown, their income had been reduced to 50 percent. He said, “We welcome this decision taken by the administration in our favour. Still we are hoping to get more relaxation in the coming days.”