Maharashtra: Retailers demand clarity and parity

Owners of non-essential goods shops simmer as confusion has meant inequality; hope for better rules and a level playing field

Shutters are still down but retail traders are looking for parity and clarity as much as concessions. Those dealing in non-essential goods headed by different associations stated that lockdown-like restrictions have been nightmarish in terms of finance of course, but what has cut deeper is the unequal playing ground that confusion, grey areas and turning a blind eye have created.

For a while now, Viren Shah, president, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA), spoke for many when he continually pointed out that despite notifications, and court orders e-commerce or online players, continue to sell non-essential goods. Said Shah, “We hope to open even with staggered timings. It is disappointing to see no action against e-commerce players even after proof has been submitted about violation. Besides financial losses, this is where it really hurts.”

Also Read: Mumbai: Relaxations for shops, but movement still curbed

Give answers, be just

Haresh Hathiramani of the Colaba Residents and Shopkeepers Association (CRSA) who has a showroom at the Colaba Causeway pleads for clarity and parity. “It is good if notifications about shops come two days in advance so we can prepare, decide how staffers should travel. We also need some answers when we meet leaders and ask questions or for some concession. Even if there is none, we need to be told that rather than met with silence or dismissed,” he said.

For several owners, besides the e-commerce unfairness, it is evident that retailers are closing their shutters but inside their stores or on their phones, they continue to supply non-essential items. One owner said, “Stores in by lanes actually operate for several hours with shutters partially shut. Those on the main road are much more susceptible to police action and they have to keep stores closed. The checking is not as stringent in the gullies or in corners which are out of direct sight of the law enforcement.”

Retailers said that when rules are made, “There must be vision, too, about just how effectively one can implement these and they should be applicable to all. Here, we see a section that is in violation of rules and seemingly getting away. This makes those who are obeying rules to the letter and facing huge losses bitter because of the injustice.”

Confusion prevails

Sunil Shah, president, Dadar Vyaapari Sangh, said that today, “so much confusion prevails. Potential customers keep asking what are the timings as they are feeding off speculation. We asked authorities what they meant by non-essential, as when it comes to finance, everything is essential. We have also made representations about leeway to keep all shops opened thrice a week for a few hours but have not heard back.” Shah finished with an example of the confusion. “Rain gear now falls under essentials. On the weekend, I took a phone call from an owner who said that the authorities were threatening action as he was selling monsoon apparel. They were unaware of the fact that this falls under essentials now.” A group of retailers across the spectrum claimed that there are few stores that deal primarily with monsoon gear. “The gear is sold in department stores with other wares. If we keep the store open, then there may be non-essentials also inside the store and the police will move in saying we are contravening orders,” they signed off. 

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