SCAI requested Haryana and Punjab governments for better SOPs

The Shopping Centers Association of India (SCAI) has requested governments twin states, Punjab and Haryana to ease down the restrictions of opening shops in the two states.

Also read: COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded

The SCAI has picked up from the recent long queues spotted for alcohol shops and has thus told the governments that they can assure better and more hygienic environment for the shoppers. They have also assured that social distancing norms will be implemented and followed, in addition to making masks compulsory, if the malls get the permission to open.

They have emphasised on the importance of better standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The SCAI has requested intervention of the governments to protect the industry that feeds 12 million people. The group has said in a statement that the organised markets will be able to provide equally safe, if not more, environment to the customers.

The retail industry contributes over 10 per cent to India's GDP, the second largest after agriculture, the SCAI release said, adding it employs over 8 per cent of the overall workforce making it the third largest in the country.

The organised markets have been badly hit financially due to the lockdown. While some standalone shops have been allowed to operate in lockdown 3.0, organised markets still face the blunt of economy crisis.

(With inputs from PTI)