Published
Jul 19, 2021
Reading time
2 minutes
Download
Download the article
Print
Text size

Retailers Association of India urges Maharashtra government to reopen malls

Published
Jul 19, 2021

The Retailers Association of India urged the Maharashtra government to enable malls in the state to reopen, as they have in other states, in order to save employment and get the retail economy going again. 

The RAI is keen for malls in Maharashtra to reopen to aid the economy and employment market


The RAI asked the Government of Maharashtra to, “allow malls and shopping centres to operate at par with stand-alone shops and markets, and serve citizens in a safe and controlled environment,” ET Bureau reported. 
 
The association stressed that sales from malls contribute significantly to state tax revenue and employ many people is the state. Opening malls will help restart the economy, according to the RAI. Malls have remained closed for longer than other retail formats such as high streets during the lockdowns as they have been seen as more dangerous for causing the spread of Covid-19 despite numerous safety measures taken by malls such as temperature checks and social distancing for shops. 

“The Delhi and Haryana governments have supported the ecosystem by opening up malls along with other markets,” said RAI CEO, Kumar Rajagopalan, the Press Trust of India reported.

“We request the government of Maharashtra to extend their support too. This will not only help save employment but will also pave the way for citizens to shop in a safe and sanitised environment. Malls can handle crowds more efficiently than markets and hence should be allowed to operate at par with other shops and markets.”
 
There are around 50 malls in Maharashtra, according to the RAI. The organisation stressed that local malls have put in place safety measures in line with those set out by the Ministry of Health. 

Copyright © 2024 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.