Except wine shops, most other shops opened from today : Central Government clarifies

New Delhi, April 25, 2020: The central government has given permission to open all kinds of shops from today, giving a big relief to the lakhs of shopkeepers and common people amid the ongoing lockdown from last one month. This includes essential and non-essential goods shops. Those working in these shops must follow the guidelines issued for lockdown. But shopping malls and market complexes have not been allowed to open.

Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order last night on amendments in the consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures to allow opening of shops. In rural areas,all shops, except those in shopping malls are allowed to open. In urban areas, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops & shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. Shops in markets/ market complexes and shopping malls are not allowed to open.

It is clarified that sale by E-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only. It is further clarified that sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management.

As specified in the consolidated revised guidelines, these shops will not be permitted to open in areas, whether rural or urban, which are declared as containment zones by respective States/ UTs.  Giving relaxation in the category of Commercial and private establishments, MHA has issued an order to all States/UTs, to allow opening of all shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood & standalone shops.