AAP MP writes to Delhi LG, seeks lifting of Covid restrictions for life & livelihood balance

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP ND Gupta has penned a letter to Delhi LG Anil Baijal, seeking his intervention in easing off Covid-19 restrictions, in light of new corona cases on the downtrend.

In his detailed note to LG, the RS lawmaker has made a case for daily wagers as well as small businesses of the national capital so that a right work-life balance could be achieved. He says that surging Covid & Omicron cases made a pressing need for weekend lockdown & Covid restrictions but now as the data shows its on a wane, there is an immediate need for relaxations & graded lifting.

ND Gupta says that almost all businesses have been under immense pressure for last 2 years and therefore government must ensure that there is minimal impact of Corona restrictions on small businesses as they not only create employment but also serve as force multiplier for the economy.

“This is wedding season in Delhi. At this time, wedding planners & associated sectors have their hands full with assignments but these restrictions have brought the industry to a grinding halt,” Mr Gupta wrote in the letter while urging for relaxations for the sector.

Citing data put forth by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), he says that there has been trade reduction of about 60% from Jan 1- Jan 20 and the Odd-even system & weekend curfew has only added to financial burden of employer & job losses for wagers.

He also suggested measures on how the capital can move ahead towards reopening.

“Trade associations should comply with Covid safety norms, trade associations should ensure crowd regulation in markets while working hours of markets could be restricted rather than odd-even scheme. Also, restaurants & bars should open with 50% restrictions,” he said in the letter to LG Anil Baijal.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is set to meet on January 27, under the chairman of LG Anil Baijal for review of Covid restrictions in the capital. In an earlier decision, the DDMA had allowed private offices to function with 50% staff, owing to dipping Covid numbers.