COVID effect: Vendors bear the brunt of new SOPs in Guwahati city

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The vendors of the city are facing an uncertain situation as the newly issued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in view of the COVID-19 pandemic restrict them from opening their shops after 2 pm.

The distressed vendors have stated that they are yet to recover the losses incurred in the first wave of COVID-19 last year. Thus, the current situation will only make their condition worse.

"Our businesses were hit by the CAA agitation in 2019 followed by the COVID pandemic in 2020. Now again the resurgence of the virus has taken a toll on us. We are not being able to recover the losses incurred in the past year. Thus, all the street vendors are feeling helpless," said Street Vendor Association of Assam president Naren Rajbongshi.

He underlined that the vendors were already incurring losses after the government ordered to close shops after 6 pm.

"Now we have to put down shutters after 2 pm. What will the vendors selling food items do? It will be hard for them to determine the number of items they have to prepare as they have to close their shops by 2 pm. Most of the income of the street food vendors is generated in the evening. On the other hand, how will the vegetable vendors who visit the city from Morigaon, Nellie, Sonapur, Boko, and Chhaygaon sell their items?" Rajbongshi stressed.

The Association stated that they are taking the pandemic situation seriously. However, it expressed concern about the survival of these daily earners.

"The government should hold discussions on the condition of the vendors. Minimum one-time assistance should be provided for the affected vendors," Rajbongshi added.

Lakhtokia Merchant Association general secretary Nekib Iman Saikia said that the people forgot about last year's situation and avoided the protocols due to which a similar situation has prevailed.

"In the last few months, we were relieved. But now the second wave is devastating us. We have been cooperating with the government and will continue to do so as life is precious. But it is an appeal to the government to address the problems of the distressed vendors," Saikia added.

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