Jamshedpur, July 24: In protest against the State Government�s decision of imposing Rs 1 lakh fine under the Infectious Diseases Ordinance 2020, the traders of Jamshedpur have decided to keep their shutters down on Saturday (July 25). In an urgent meeting convened by the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the traders decided to keep their business establishments closed on Saturday.
Moreover, the members of chamber protested against the provisions of Rs 1 lakh on those who ignore the security protocol and those who do not wear masks in the state and up to two year term in jail. The apex traders� body has also decided to sport black badges on Sunday in protest. As a step to control the spread of the virus, they will close their shops from 6 pm rather than 9 pm as per the Government�s guidelines.
Ashok Bhalotia, president, Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry termed the provisions announced by the Jharkhand government as impractical. He said that the government has made a provision of fine of one lakh rupees and punishment of two years for not wearing masks in shops, showrooms, and other workplaces. The provisions are inappropriate. With this new rule, the spread of corona will not stop. He said that the State government must roll back the provisions.
�We have decided to shut down our shutters by 6 pm every day. Even if this does not help in controlling the spread of virus we are ready to go ahead for complete closure of our establishments. It is really surprising that the ordinance also states that if a person is caught violating the rules of mask and social distancing, he can be imprisoned for up to two years. However, no check post has been made anywhere in the state for this, and people are still seen violating masks and rules,� said another official of the Chamber of Commerce.
Meanwhile, the district administration has imposed restrictions in different areas in view of rising COVID-19 positive cases in the city. A team led by City SP Subhash Chandra Jat launch a drive at Sakchi and Bistupur and nab several people not wearing face masks and ensuring personal distancing while venturing out to carry out their essential works in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team hit the streets at Sakchi and Bistupur markets to carry out surprise inspections to check whether people were wearing masks and also handed over masks to those who were not, even while explaining the importance of personal safety to them. The team went to Sakchi market various shops along that stretch checking whether personal distancing was being maintained and people wore face masks.
Those who fail to wear masks while venturing out are liable to be paid a penalty, said the senior official. Shops and business establishments which fail to adhere to the government guidelines issued in respect of COVID-19 would be sealed, he said.