PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 25: Traders of Jamshedpur on Monday demanded an extension of business hours as well as unlocking Sundays in view of the festivals ahead.
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( SCCI ), a leading trade body of the Kolhan region convened an emergent meeting this evening to press for the issue.
” We reiterate our demand to unlock Sunday and extend business hours to 10 pm till Chatth as the festive season is on- Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhaidooj, Govardhan Puja and Chatth. Unlocking Sunday and relaxations in business hours will help control rush in the market, ” said Vijay Anand Moonka, president of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The trade body chief had also sent a tweet in this regard to chief minister Hemant Soren and state health minister Banna Gupta.
As part of Covid restrictions, shops barring those selling essential commodities like foods, vegetables, milk and medicines, remain closed on Sundays.
SCCI had also made a similar appeal to the chief minister before the just concluded Durga Puja.
Moonka explained that shopkeepers get their shops cleaned and apply fresh coat of paints once in a year during Diwali.
But, the Sunday lockdown is proving a hindrance.
A resentment was prevailing among the traders here over the government diktat of Sunday closure.
” The state government should be considerate towards the cause of traders and businessmen. This is the time when traders do brisk business due to the festival season. Last year we faced huge loss due to the series of Covid-induced lockdowns, ” explained a local trader.
