The move aims at easing small shopkeepers’ problem as well as that of common people

The Union Home Ministry, while giving relaxation in the category of commercial and private establishments, has directed all states and Union Territories to allow opening of all shops registered under Shops Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood and standalone shops.

In a circulation issued on April 25, the Ministry said shops in market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open. Shops in single & multi-brand malls would not be allowed to open anywhere.

It would be mandatory for all permitted shops to open only with 50 per cent strength of workers, ensure compulsory wearing of masks and strict adherence to social distancing norms.

Notably, such relaxations in lockdown restrictions would not applicable in hotspots and containment zones.