MUMBAI: One day after Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned of a lockdown, he had a series of consultations with stakeholders from different sectors and indicated that the state government will make strict decisions as the Covid-19 situation is grim. He also called on business owners to follow all guidelines and cooperate with the state.
Thackeray noted that lockdown-type restrictions may be imposed in the coming days and certain businesses will be affected, saying the current priority is in the following order: “Zindagi, jaan, uske baad kaam (life then livelihood) “.
“The situation is bleak in the state. We don’t want to blame anyone. But to break the chain of infection, we will have to take certain strict measures, “Thackeray said while addressing the owners of auditoriums and multiplexes.
Thackeray held virtual meetings with mediators, gym and health club owners, movie theaters, multiplexes and movie screens on Saturday.
The CM said it was aware that its businesses had just started to return to normal, but right now the state has to prioritize lives.
Kamal Gianchandani from PVR and producer Rohit Shetty agreed to cooperate with all the steps the government would take for the public welfare.
However, Nitin Datar, Chairman of the Indian Film Owners and Exhibitors Association, called on the government to address the multiple concerns expressed by theater owners.
“Individual screens in particular are looking at the close. We had requested a property tax exemption under an existing law that applies in times of national calamity. In addition, we are paying high electricity bills, although we do not use energy. There are certain charges on the bill in the amount of Rs 14,000-15,000 per month which are charged regardless of usage. Those should be discarded. We also apply for loans, not grants, to allow our members to reopen after closing. These are valid concerns that are waiting to be fixed. The government says: “Sar salaamat toh pagdi hazaar (life is more important).” But we risk losing our own lives and livelihoods. Our shows from 6:00 p.m. M. And 9:00 p.m. M. They have been canceled since the 8:00 pm closing deadline was recently implemented.
“The CM told us about the Covid-19 situation. We have our demands with the government, but those are secondary at the moment, ”said Shalini Bhargava, owner of a gym at the meeting.
Senior officials said the state was considering closing shopping malls, movie theaters, gyms and religious venues, and that orders would be issued in the next two days. Specific restrictions are also likely to be announced for the top eight districts that have the highest number of cases in the state and are also driving Covid-19 numbers nationally. (With input from Gaurav Gupta)
Thackeray noted that lockdown-type restrictions may be imposed in the coming days and certain businesses will be affected, saying the current priority is in the following order: “Zindagi, jaan, uske baad kaam (life then livelihood) “.
“The situation is bleak in the state. We don’t want to blame anyone. But to break the chain of infection, we will have to take certain strict measures, “Thackeray said while addressing the owners of auditoriums and multiplexes.
Thackeray held virtual meetings with mediators, gym and health club owners, movie theaters, multiplexes and movie screens on Saturday.
The CM said it was aware that its businesses had just started to return to normal, but right now the state has to prioritize lives.
Kamal Gianchandani from PVR and producer Rohit Shetty agreed to cooperate with all the steps the government would take for the public welfare.
However, Nitin Datar, Chairman of the Indian Film Owners and Exhibitors Association, called on the government to address the multiple concerns expressed by theater owners.
“Individual screens in particular are looking at the close. We had requested a property tax exemption under an existing law that applies in times of national calamity. In addition, we are paying high electricity bills, although we do not use energy. There are certain charges on the bill in the amount of Rs 14,000-15,000 per month which are charged regardless of usage. Those should be discarded. We also apply for loans, not grants, to allow our members to reopen after closing. These are valid concerns that are waiting to be fixed. The government says: “Sar salaamat toh pagdi hazaar (life is more important).” But we risk losing our own lives and livelihoods. Our shows from 6:00 p.m. M. And 9:00 p.m. M. They have been canceled since the 8:00 pm closing deadline was recently implemented.
“The CM told us about the Covid-19 situation. We have our demands with the government, but those are secondary at the moment, ”said Shalini Bhargava, owner of a gym at the meeting.
Senior officials said the state was considering closing shopping malls, movie theaters, gyms and religious venues, and that orders would be issued in the next two days. Specific restrictions are also likely to be announced for the top eight districts that have the highest number of cases in the state and are also driving Covid-19 numbers nationally. (With input from Gaurav Gupta)
.
