“It’s an irony that government of Karnataka has allowed the liquor shops to remain open (though for a limited time) probably categorizing liquor under essential goods & commodities, whereas the garment shops remain closed,” owner of a leading garment showroom said while commenting on the continuation of the lockdown in Belagavi for one more week .
“ Roti, Kapada aur Makan- are the three essentials of every human being. However, instead of keeping the shops of these basic commodities open, how come liquor has become an essential commodity?” another showroom owner questioned voicing the opinion of several showroom owners in Belagavi.
Belagavi garment market is arguably the only market in the region with a large base of customers across Southern Maharashtra, North Karnataka and Goa.
“However, the peak business season is lost and with rainy season on the anvil we cannot expect the market to pick up, hence the showroom owners have incurred huge losses during this lockdown, whereas, the thousands of workers have lost their livelihood.
“ How can we pay our staff, when the zero business and huge inventories and the interests on that mounting in our overheads ? We also do not know what would be the state of our stocks,” lamented another.
Belagavi is known for its garment markets offering a wider range and verities in suiting, shirting, and ready-mades. Belgaum saris are famous across the globe. The garment market is also a base for hotels, restaurants and other enterprises.
However, the two month lockdown has had its adverse impact and the market is in dire straits. While Belgaum Chamber of Commerce has urged authorities to allow reopen the market from Monday, the traders have been demanding that it could have been done during the lockdown with certain restrictions and directives.
Meanwhile, according to fresh orders, Government of Karnataka has allowed liquor shops in the 20 districts to remain open till 2 pm!!
Hic-Hic- Hurray
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