Modi govt announces reopening of shops, non-essential services; here's what's allowed

Anuncing a massive decision,  Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday night allowed all shops under Shops and Establishment Act to reopen from April 25 amid Coronavirus pandemic. This includes shops in residential complexes and market complexes. However, order states that shops will function at 50 per cent strength and precautions against COVID-19 — wearing masks and social distancing — is mandatory. 

Home Ministry has clarified that relaxation in given order is t applicable in hotspots and containment zones. It has also prohibited reopening of shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls. order is an amendment to Centre's April 15 order issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended nationwide lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic till May 3.

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As per  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has so far reported 23,452 cases of COVID, while 4,814 people have recovered or migrated, 723 deaths have been reported. 

What will be open after this order?

• All shops registered under Shops and Establishment Act of respective State/Union Territory

• Shops in residential complexes within limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

• Neighbourhood shops within limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

• Standalone shops within limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

• All markets in rural areas, except malls

• E-commerce companies only for essential goods.

• All n-essential goods and services in urban areas provided y are within limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

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What will t be open after this order?

• Liquor shops

• Market complexes, outside  limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

• Shops in markets/ market complexes and shopping malls

• Shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls outside limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.

• Multi-brand and single-brand malls

• Shops in  hotspots and containment zones, except essentials 

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