We understand that there needs to be a curfew with restrictions. A curfew is going on being extended because a nervous government that has mismanaged the second wave cannot afford a third wave. But while it is doing so, it has treated small traders, restaurants and other small businesses in a manner which is most unfair.
Restaurants and small traders have acted responsibly and accepted each and every direction of the government. At great cost and pain, they have remained closed. At the same time they have been paying workers, most with full salaries waiting for the government order to reopen. But has the government reached out with their hearts and waived off and reduced a single fee, charged from closed places?
The fee is for running their businesses when their businesses are closed. In any civilized society there a phrase called ‘Hand of God’ or ‘Force Majeure’ which means that if a business or a trade is hit by a disaster or calamity beyond the control of the establishment, then they cannot be bound and penalised for any financial commitment not met.
Where is the heart? Far from waiving off fees, arrears with interest have been charged.
Let us check what a restaurant has to pay. And small establishment barring the excise licence have to pay along the same lines.
Trade Licence Rs 1 lakh per square metre.
Excise licence Rs 60,000.
Interest penalty on earlier excise dues 50% which amounts to Rs 30,000
Garbage fee Rs 6000 per month per square metre area
Electricity charges range around Rs 50,000 per month or more. The fees have been doubled for high-end consumers plus other hidden costs that always come up.
NO REBATE, NO MERCY
There has been no rebate and no mercy. Traders and restaurateurs have pleaded and begged. They have to pay their staff. Their staff has families and bills to pay. They have sick parents. How will they survive?
WHY ARE WE IN THIS STATE? DUE TO MISMANAGEMENT AND CORRUPTION?
Did we have to be in this state? Why are prolonged curfews or lockdowns needed? Simply because due to negligence and mismanagement, the second wave took so many lives and made so many sick. Because deaths happened due to a shortage of oxygen. Because of an oxygen scam. And yet the government refused to have a proper judicial inquiry to nail the culprits. And the culprits were not doctors and nurses.
SHOULD THE HARDWORKING AND HONEST BUSINESS COMMUNITY SUFFER FOR THIS?
Let us all ponder over this. To start, let there be a waiver or hold on power bills for a period. Secondly, the amount paid as licence fees should be carried over for at least six months into the next financial year. Thirdly no penalties should be charged for delayed payments.
The Chief Minister has consented to the needs of seafarers. Can’t he do the same for other sons of the spoil?
