Complexes to open on odd-even basis

Raipur, May 16: Protest of traders’ organisations against the decision to allow opening of shops on an even or odd basis has paid off as the administration has changed the rules for opening shops. Now, as per the revised rule, all major commercial complexes and shops along main roads will be allowed to open. To this end it has been decided that shops of commercial complexes like Ravi Bhavan, Jayaram Complex, Lalganga Complex etc. will be opened on odd-even basis.
However, traders associations can open shops and market on other prominent roads as per their convenience. The shops on both sides of the roads are to be opened with left-right formula. Significantly, due to Corona infection, the lockdown has been extended till May 31 in the state, but the administration has given some relaxation for business activities. Earlier the administration wanted to open shops on odd-even basis but following opposition from traders organisations, it agreed to allow opening of shops with left-right formula.
According to Additional Municipal Commissioner Pulak Bhattacharya shops on both sides of the roads will open with left-right formula and the traders organisations can allow them to open as per their convenience. However, commercial complex shops will open on odd-even basis.
The traders associations say that if the relief is being given after so many days from the lockdown, then the entire market should be opened no matter days of opening the market are curtailed. Allowing the entire market to open will be beneficial for the people as they will not have to move from one end to another or face harassment for goods.