Shops open during lockdown: Official note creates confusion, clarification issued; check what will remain closed

After a lot of confusion was created among the public by an official communication about which shops will open henceforth, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a clarification. MHA has made it clear that liquor shops will continue to remain closed during Coronavirus lockdown. Also, it said that e-commerce companies will be able to sell essential goods only. The MHA issued clarification today after a huge confusion was created over yesterday's order on opening of shops, which said that 'shops within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open.' 

The MHA, in a written clarification, said, "It is clarified that sale by e-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only. It is further clarified that sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management." The MHA clarification went on to add that as specified in the consolidated revised guidelines, these shops will 'NOT BE PERMITTED TO OPEN' in areas, whether rural or urban, which are declared as 'CONTAINMENT ZONES by respective States/ UTs.'

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Earlier, the MHA had eased in lockdown rules on certain shops citing, "Giving relaxation in the category of Commercial and private establishments, MHA has issued an order to all States/UTs, to allow opening of all shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood & standalone shops." The order went on to add that shops in market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open. Shops in single & multi-brand malls would not be allowed to open anywhere.

This order created huge confusion among the traders and the public as they perceived it from a different way. After the confusion, Confederation of All India  Traders contacted the MHA and asked for the clarification on confusion. The ministry replied promptly before the confusion could create any problem in the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.