Unlocking markets on cards, Govt to take stakeholders on board

Final call to be taken by SEC after assessing ground situation: DC Sgr

BY: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar: After receiving a memorandum from the trade community, the administration is mulling to unlock the markets sooner in the Valley with authorities stating that it will take all the stakeholders on board to decide anything related to the issue.

Pertinently, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) had submitted a memorandum to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir P K Pole and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz Asad, appealing them to consider unlocking markets after over one-month-long Corona curfew across J&K.

Asad when asked about the opening of marketplaces and business establishments in a phased manner said that the issue was being examined and whatever decision is taken, will be in consultation with all the stakeholders.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a vaccination drive at Press Enclave Srinagar, DC Srinagar, DC said that the final decision regarding the opening of shops and business establishments in a phased manner will be taken in consultation and discussion with all the stakeholders.

On being asked about the unlocking process from next week, he said that the decision will be taken by the State Executive Committee, and they will take the decision and final call after analyzing the growing situation.

He said that even though the number of cases is declining on a daily basis, there is a need to be very alert as this is the time to overcome this deadly virus. He also said that there are still more than 6000 active cases so there is no chance of any sort of relaxation in the curfew.

ā€œWe have to follow the SOPs strictly including social distancing, wearing face masks and particularly vaccination. We have started the vaccination drive and all those eligible groups should go for vaccination.ā€

ā€œLike the first wave we will also come out of the second Covid-19 wave successfully provided everyone contributes his bit and only then we can win the fight against Covid-19,ā€ he said.

He also said that a vaccination drive has been started and priority will be given to the most vulnerable groups including journalists, shopkeepers, vendors, milk and vegetable vendors and orphans registered with the social welfare department, construction workers and maximum mobility groups, who fall in the age group of 18-45 years.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar visited various Covid-19 Vaccination Centers established in Srinagar to inspect the pace of ongoing Covid-19 Vaccination process.

On the occasion, the DC visited District Court Complex Mominabad Batamaloo, Regional Transport Office, Srinagar, Mader-e-Meharban Trust, Miskeen Bagh, Indoor Stadium and took stock of the vaccination process undertaken for beneficiaries within the age group of 18-45 across the district.

While interacting with the Vaccination staff, the DC asked them to ensure smooth conduct of the process. He enjoined upon the Medical and other supporting staff to work with added zeal and dedication for the protection of fellow citizens.He also stressed on strict adherence to the all SOPs related to Covid-19 at these centres.

The DC expressed satisfaction on the overall arrangements for vaccination and the pace of vaccination of the target groups.

He exhorted upon the beneficiaries taking the Covid-19 vaccine shots to follow the Covid Appropriate Behaviours (CABs) even after vaccination so as to keep themselves, their family and the district safe from the infection of deadly Coronavirus.

Meanwhile, during todayā€™s vaccination drive beneficiaries from identified vulnerable groups were inoculated Covid-19 vaccine shots at different vaccination centers.

The beneficiaries who were inoculated Covid-19 vaccine shots today include shopkeepers, Shikara wallas, hotel staff, street vendors,Ā  services sector, Barbers,Ā  Bakers Meat/Poultry/ Vegetable sellers, Drivers/ Conductors, Lawyers, Journalists; faculty /staff/workers of the Universities/Colleges; Government employees on COVID duty/or in active field, Construction workers registered with Construction Workers Board; Tourism sector workers; people with disabilities, widows/single mothers, orphans, and persons with comorbid conditions.

DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Syed Hanief Balkhi, Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar Dr Jameel, and others concerned during the visit. (KNO)

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