Mangaluru: Reeling under a loss, traders in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have decided to oppose the curfew and keep their shops open on weekends.
While announcing the decision, Santhosh Kamath, President, Karavali Textile, the Association of Readymade Dealers and footwear, said members would strictly follow the Covid-19 safety protocol.
He said Lockdown and weekend hours have ruined local businesses, while online shopping developed.
“The weekend hours have had a direct impact on the families of thousands of Salesmans and others are employed in stores,” Kamath said.
“Many stores have been closed forever and some are on the threshold.
We oppose this unscientific decision that promotes the disparity.
We have asked the district administration and representatives to lift the sidewalk.” He said because of restrictions, customers have migrated to online retailers.
“Small entrepreneurs will be difficult if they lose customers to the online platform.
The festival season is the key to business, and we hope sales soar on weekends,” Kamath said.
MG Hegde’s social activist accused the government to support the online shopping platform, while Vasanth Achari, District Secretary, CPI (M) Dakshina Kannada, called for a direct roll of weekend hours.
“Not scientific weekend hours will increase the burden on people than bringing Covid-19 controlled,” Achari said.
“We will protest if the district administration does not lift the curfew.” However, KV Rajendra, DK Deputy Deputy Commissioner, the punishment warned will be charged on the shop owner if they sacrifice weekend hours.
“We will begin legal action if the shops are found to do business on weekends,” he said.