The state curfew has been extended to July 19. As has been the system in the past more freedom was given. Gymnasiums can now operate at 50 percent and religious places up to 15 percent. As per the new order shops will also be able to function from 7 am to 7 pm. The government is generally easing up as time passes. But that also begs the question why can’t the government allow businesses like restaurants to stay open late but follow all the sops strictly. This could also be relevant for all businesses in the state. Business sentiment in the state is poor right now and a bit of help by the government could go a long way.
Blaise Costabir businessman was of the view that he had no idea why restrictions were still in place. He said “Everything is open. Tourists are back at the beaches. Rent a cars are back on the roads. At least now masks are visible. So why should a few suffer economic disaster with the curfew? We had the CZMP hearing with hundreds braving rain and COVID. So what is the point? Is COVID selective? Does it operate after 6 pm? Why not allow restaurants to operate and those with at least one vaccination be allowed to enter. The hotel industry is reeling and needs some support. Not money but allowed to open”. Typically blunt and to the point he was.
Lawrence Fernandes of 49 ers a restaurant based in Colva said it would be really nice if they could stay open till 11 pm. He said “We follow all the sops and till date none of our staff or our guests has tested positive. Colva was hit hard but we were not touched because we were very careful. Business is weak and this will help us get some more business. We pay all our taxes to the state and the panchayat. Please help us by increasing the timing. It will help the business and keep the fires burning in the homes of my staff.”
Pravin Kakode a businessman in the state felt that Covid had been a roller coaster for all and everyone would have to accept the fact that everyone would have to live with this for a year or two till mass vaccination was completed. He said “I think Government should do some counter intuitive thinking and allow or rather request all setups to operate actually for extended time with very strict clearly defined protocol, so that rush is not there. We citizens have to accept that government can do so much and it’s actually we citizens who have a larger role to play to minimise or avert the anticipated 3 rd wave”.
Bharat Kamat a consulting engineer had a different take. He said “ I don’t think we need to ease up till August 15. This will stop people from hanging around. Let our health care professionals rest. They also need to get back to non covid patient. We also need a paradigm shift in our lifestyle. Most shops and markets close at 5 in England. Why not here? It will help reduce crowding as there will be less time for hanging out. This will reduce chances of covid.”
Savio Messias another hotelier and former President of TTAG felt it would be right to extend the hours because it was certainly affecting the restaurant business that has been targeted right through the pandemic. He said “We have to follow the sops and the onus should be on the restaurant owner to ensure it was all followed. People are looking to get out of their houses and one has to only look at what is happening in Manali. We have to be careful. We have to also be careful at our borders, railway stations and other entry points. I know for a fact that a lot of irregularities are taking place. People are paying hafta, an individual has to pay Rs 500 and for a group it is reduced to Rs 300. Of this is I am absolutely sure. ”
Nilesh Shah the present President of the TTAG said it was the obvious thing to do once the positivity rate falls below 5 percent. He said “The government cannot help everyone and it is left on the individual to do what they have to do. They have decided to give people Rs 5000 which is nothing. I believe the government should follow the hammer and dance policy. Now with the situation having improved, businesses should be allowed to open as per usual business hours. They have to of course follow all the sops. But if there is a spike in business then the government should shut everything down strictly. This will ensure that people when they are open will follow all the rules and regulations. This is the only way forward. ”
Sandip Bhandare who has been part of various trade bodies in the state at a very senior level said he personally agreed with the government. He said “Progressively as each lockdown was announced, relaxations were given. In addition more and more activities were allowed. Shops were allowed to operate first till 1 the 3 and 6 and now 7. Now only casinos are not being allowed. Yes there is inconvenience being felt by business but what happens if the third wave comes and hits us. Then we will all be shut. This calibrated approach is better.”
Rajesh Jog the Chairman of a advisory committee of a consultancy went back to basic when he said “ I believe that the government must first publish clear, concise and enforceable SOPs for being able to unlock the economy which has been in the doldrums for almost 2 years now. Publish the SOPs, communicate to the public with clarity and openness and I think the private sector can very easily manage fine!”
Perhaps someone would listen and help the thousands of businesses experiencing really tough times in Goa.
