Badnore meets officers over post-lockdown plan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore today held a preliminary meeting with Adviser Manoj Parida, Finance Secretary Ajoy Kumar Sinha and other senior officers on suggestions received from various stakeholders regarding the exit plan after May 3.

The Administrator said the post-lockout plan was under consideration and final decision would be taken keeping in view the directions received from the Central Government.

On April 27, UT Adviser Manoj Parida constituted a five-member committee chaired by the Finance Secretary to examine and recommend steps to be taken during the post-curfew period in the city. The recommendations of the committee were to include suggestions with regard to public transport, opening of schools and colleges, hospitality industry, opening of industries, factories, shops, inter-state movement and functioning of offices. The committee was asked to seek opinion of various stakeholders and submit a report by April 30.

The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioner, CEO, Chandigarh Housing Board, and the Secretary-Establishment were members of the committee. The Administrator discussed the report prepared by the committee, said Parida.

Extend lockdown: Traders

As Covid cases crossed 74-mark in the city, the Chandigarh Traders Association, Sector 17, has suggested the UT Administration to extend the lockdown. “After Chandigarh comes under green zone, non-essential shops can be opened for limited hours with strict instructions,” said Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, president of the association.

He said shops could be opened on alternate days in different sector markets and industries could be opened because industrial area was located at the border of the city and in the non-residential area.

He also suggested restaurants could be opened for home deliveries only and shopping malls, liquor vends, cinema halls, gymnasiums should not be opened.