Chaos at MC office as shop owners, vendors rush to collect passes

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 25

Chaos prevailed at the Patiala Municipal Corporation office as grocery store owners, vegetable vendors and chemists rushed to collect passes in the wake of statewide curfew to combat coronavirus (Covid-19).

While the administration has allowed dairy owners to distribute milk, grocery store owners are being provided passes to deliver essential item at doorsteps.

The MC provided 280 passes to vegetable vendors as well for door-to-door delivery. Apart from them, a number of chemists, cold store owners and grocery stores were provided permits today.

Irrespective of PM Narendra Modi urging for practicing social distancing, vendors pushed each other in order to to enter the civic body office.

Later, the police had to rush to spot to bring the situation under control.

Station House Officer Rahul Kaushal said, “Nobody will be allowed to create ruckus.”

Passes for door-to-door delivery of essential items

The MC officials said passes should not be misunderstood as licences for over-the-counter sale. “Permits are meant for door-to-door delivery only. Three to four persons have been provided permits to function in a single area so that needs of all the households are met,” said an official.

Vendors allege meddling by councillors

Vendors requesting anonymity said officials were providing passes at their will. A few councillors alleged that some councillors were using their influence. “The area councillor demanded Rs 10,000 to provide a pass. From where will I get the money from?” said a vendor.

Another vendor said, “Ultimately, we will have to sell commodities at higher prices despite prices being regulated by the state government.”

The MC official said passes for doorstep delivery will be provided on Thursday as well.