Decision on reopening of shops to be taken by Odisha govt: CP on MHA order

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Apr 25, 2020 at 10:55 AM Updated On : Apr 25, 2020 at 11:33 AM

Bhubaneswar: After the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) yesterday gave green signal for reopening of shops during the lockdown, Twin City Commissioner of Police Sudhanshu Sarangi today clarified that decision on implementation of the order in Odisha will be taken by the state Government.

Replying to a query raised by a Twitter user on the MHA order for reopening of shops, the CP advised the denizens to wait for the state Government decision on the subject, which will be taken after considering the local situation and requirements.

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“Until then, shops except for those already exempted will continue to remain closed during the lockdown,” he clarified.

Please await State Government decision on the subject, which will be based on consideration of local situation and requirements. Till there is a decision by the State Government shops, except for those already exempted, will remain closed. https://t.co/p0L4tnhoSA

— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) April 25, 2020

Yesterday, the MHA allowed opening of shops as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions announced on April 15. It said except malls, all shops, including those located in residential complexes within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities are now allowed to remain open.

The MHA today again issued a clarification stating that all shops, except those inside shopping malls are allowed to open in rural areas. And in urban areas, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops inside residential complexes are allowed to open. It further clarified that sale by e-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only.