MT News Service
Jammu, May 27:
Expressing his satisfaction over the way entire business community of Jammu and Kashmir has been cooperating with the Government in following COVID-19 guidelines and adhering to lockdown timings to prevent the spread of virus, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri today said that threat of pandemic is still looming large which calls for a serious review before reopening the entire Union Territory for normal functioning. Now that May 31, the deadline till which this lockdown has been extended, is nearing, the Government is required to have discussion with all the stakeholders to save lives. As per press statement issued to mercury times, Raman Suri suggested that the best way to deal with pandemic and save precious lives would be to reopen entire business establishments but, in a controlled manner. He said, all shops dealing with essential supplies should stay open from morning 6 to 11 am, as has already been ordered by the Government so that people can buy the needed daily supplies. All other shops and business establishments should be allowed to open from 12 noon to 5 pm regularly. The time from 11 am to 12 noon should be given for closing and opening of shops as per the allotted slots.
This arrangement, he said, will allow the business community to do its routine work regularly, keep employees engaged, facilitate shopping and also lessen crowding of market places. All shops and business establishments including hotels, bars, liquor shops, jewellery shops, industries, travel and trade besides hardware and allied should be categorised as essential & non-essential, and given the time slots accordingly. The purpose should be to minimise crowding while keeping the functioning of businesses smooth to save lives. Appreciating the business community for bearing losses but continuing to cooperate with the Government by adhering to time slots and extending lockdowns, Raman Suri said, since people too have learnt to live with pandemic and are now following COVID-19 guidelines, all business establishments and industries should, after May 31, be allowed to reopen with the given proposal to suit one and all. The proposal should be discussed with the stakeholders before implementing and amended, if needed.
Raman Suri said that all gazetted officers should be empowered to fine those violating COVID-19 guidelines, which will have a lasting impact and make people adhere to the rules and regulations. Anyone seen violating the guidelines should be penalised by the gazetted officers, after which there will be a greater check on the violators and an order will also prevail in the society. Since police cannot be everywhere, these gazetted officers will widen the scope of implementing guidelines strictly. After designating the officers to fine violators, all markets should be opened as per roster and people should be made to follow guidelines. Raman Suri also urged Lieutenant Governor to ask the information department to launch a massive campaign asking people to adopt precautionary measures, which are more important than cure. The doctors and paramedics, he added, are doing wonderful jobs but when there is less burden on the hospitals, those being treated could be attended better.
