RANCHI: Ruling mahagathbandhan constituents have advocated for easing the existing curbs in Jharkhand to give a fillip to the economy.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, however, have also underscored the need for opening of business establishments and economic activities in a staggered manner to avoid another surge in Covid-19 cases.
“The restrictions are necessary even now as the number of Covid-19 cases are declining but can surge any moment.
“Hence, the government needs to strike a balance between restrictions and economic activities,” JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said on Sunday.
He suggested that the government must allow opening of shops on a rostered basis and for a limited duration.
“Construction work, mining and factories are open. But local businesses are being affected. The government must think of opening them,” Bhattacharya said. He added that the party is, however, averse to the idea of opening shopping malls, restaurants, theatres and bars right away.
The incumbent Hemant Soren government initiated a partial lockdown from April 22 as Covid-19 cases began registering an unprecedented surge. The lockdown is due to end on the morning of June 4.
The Congress has proposed that shops, which are selling non-essential goods, must also be allowed to open. “Shops like apparel stores, auto spare parts sellers, variety stores must be allowed to open till 2pm just as shops selling essential goods. It has been nearly 45 days since the partial lockdown has come into effect and businesses are suffering. The staff at these shops are also going without salaries,” state Congress working president Rajesh Thakur said.
State BJP president Deepak Prakash said: “The government should take into account the rate of infections before taking a decision.
“The economy needs to be opened and micro-level efforts must be made to contain the virus in highly infected areas.”
JMM and Congress, have also underscored the need for opening of business establishments and economic activities in a staggered manner to avoid another surge in Covid-19 cases
