STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The tent house business in Assam is in dire straits due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Many tent houses were forced to shut down their shops after failing to pay the rent and repay the loans.
Highlighting the plight of the tent house business, Dispur Tent House Business Association secretary Ritul Malakar said, "Our businesses collapsed after the first wave of COVID-19 on March last year. The tent houses were reopened by the end of 2020. But the hit of the third wave this year has again distressed the owners. Generally, we do have bookings round the year for various events. However, due to the COVID protocols, no events are being organized."
Malakar underlined that there were around 350 to 500 tent houses in Guwahati. But many traders were forced to shut down their shops due to various reasons.
"Around three to four permanent employees are associated with every tent house. Last year, the government provided compensation to people from various sectors. However, none of the tent house owners received compensation or any kind of financial assistance. Many tent house owners are struggling to repay the loans which they took from banks to purchase items. They have to pay rent for their shops and godowns as well. Some owners had to shut down their shops as they were unable to pay the rent after incurring huge losses. They have now shifted to other businesses. Moreover, tent house implements like tarpaulins, clothes, bamboos, ropes, ribbons, electronic items are on the verge of being damaged. The government should hold with the affected tent house owners and compensate them," Malakar added.