Nagpur: As Nagpur prepares for a higher degree of unlocking, business owners say they are pleased but at the same time also cautious.
BC Bhartia, president of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said while he’s happy with the impending unlock, he advises caution.
“Both traders and consumers have been waiting for things to unlock but everything has to be done within the safety guidelines.
Government machinery must also be present on the ground to ensure that people comply with all norms,” said Bhartia.
Rajesh Rokde, director of All India Gems and Jewellery Domestic Council and secretary of Nagpur Sarafa Bazaar, said, “People have learnt to live with Covid-19, so they are cautious but not scared.
For our industry it is very important for a prosperous environment to be there, as people come to jewellery shop only after all wants and needs have been fulfilled.
As it is we all are taking utmost precautions at the shop to ensure that all stakeholders are safe.” Shivkumar Rao, president of Vidarbha Economic Development Council said the new unlock guidelines have put the onus on citizens.
“The new guideline instructions are extremely transparent in telling citizens what to expect if the parameters are breached.
Nagpur is fortunate enough to be in level one and it’s a huge responsibility.
My advice to our members will be to still take lot of precautions and be cautious in your approach.” Dipen Agarwal, president of Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade said, “Traders are upbeat that economy will soon come back on track.
Since the pandemic started, traders have suffered losses so the unlocking is a welcome step.
At the same time many of us have lost their loved ones during the devastating second wave, and that has taught us to be cautious.
Our members have decided to tread on the safe side and implement strict safety protocol for our staff and customers.” He added that government too needs to pitch in and provide sop to businesses which suffered due to the pandemic.
Ashwin Mehadia, president for Nag Vidarbha Chambers of Commerce said, “While traders are happy about shops finally being opened up fully, the worry is about the weekly review.
So if we are demoted to level two or below after two weeks then all business plans go awry.
So this new adjustment to fast changing dynamics will take time.” Tejinder Singh Renu, president of Nagpur Residential Hotels Association said, “We were always open but because of trade and industry being closed, there was no business.
We are confident that within a week or so, marginal business will return.
We need the outstation guests to arrive as that is where the room occupancy levels go up.
The unlock matrix declared by the government is indeed a welcome step as it helps us understand the parameter.” Pradeep Gupta, vice-president of Sitabuldi Merchants Association said, “The only concern is that due to no festive season immediately in front of us plus wedding season is also over, so there won’t be a huge response.
My opinion is that we should all close down our shops by 7pm for the first two weeks to avoid complications, and then move ahead in a phased manner.”