MANGALURU: Reeling under losses, merchants in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have decided to defy curfew and keep their shops open on weekends.
While announcing the decision, Santhosh Kamath, president, Karavali Textile, Readymade and Footwear Dealers Association, said members will strictly follow Covid-19 safety protocol. He said lockdowns and weekend curfews have ruined local business, while online shopping is thriving.
“Weekend curfew has had a direct impact on families of thousands of salesmen and others employed in shops,” Kamath said. “Many shops have closed for good and some are on the verge of closure. We are opposing this unscientific decision which promotes disparity. We have already requested the district administration and people’s representatives to lift curbs.”
He said because of restrictions, customers have migrated to online retailers.
“Small businessmen will find it difficult if they lose customers to online platforms. The festival season is key for businesses, and we expect sales to soar on weekends,” Kamath said.
Social activist MG Hegde accused the government of favouring online shopping platforms, while Vasanth Achari, district secretary, CPI(M) Dakshina Kannada, called for an immediate roll back of weekend curfew.
“Unscientific weekend curfew will increase the burden on people rather than bring Covid-19 under control,” Achari said. “We will hold protests if the district administration does not lift curfew.”
However, KV Rajendra, DK district deputy commissioner, warned penalties will be imposed on shop owners if they flout weekend curfew. “We will initiate legal action if shops are found doing business on weekends,” he said.
