Retailers urge states to ease shopping hour curbs in localised lockdowns

RAI makes representation to states, local authorities seeking resumption of normal business hours

With little signs of revival in their business, retailers have urged the state and local authorities to ease localised lockdowns. 

Ad-hoc lockdowns, they said, have been counterproductive since the country entered Unlock 2.0 on July 1.

Imposed by over a dozen states, ad-hoc shutdowns have not only quashed hopes of any recovery but could add to the rising Covid-19 count, they argued. 

The Retailers Association of India (RAI), a not-for-profit organisation representing the rights of retailers, is making representations to state governments and local authorities, seeking permit for longer hours of operations. 

The arbitrary lockdowns, imposed by different bodies in