Karnataka govt considering opening malls,decision likely soon: CM Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Jun 29: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday said the government is considering opening malls in the city with some conditions, and a decision in this regard will be taken soon.
"Malls (Shopping Centres) association members have met me. I will discuss with my cabinet colleagues. We are discussing giving certain concessions with some conditions.
No decision has been taken yet," Yediyurappa said.
Speaking to reporters here, he expressed happiness over COVID cases coming down.
"I have told them that I will discuss with my cabinet colleagues, and take a decision soon," he added.
Malls may be allowed to operate with riders after July 5, when the current COVID "Unlock" guideline comes to an end. Under the "Unlock" guidelines that are in place in most parts of the state, several sectors have been permitted to operate but air-conditioned shops, shopping complexes, malls, are still not permitted to function.
Earlier in the day, the Shopping Centres Association of India members met Yediyurappa and requested him to allow Malls to be opened from next week.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, G M Nandish of Garuda Mall said they have sought opening of malls.
"We have said not to impose restrictions limiting it from 9am to 6pm as it won't be useful, and allow it from 9am to 9pm. We have also assured following all the conditions with regard to safety, security, social distancing, sanitisation among others," he said.
Requests have also been made to waive the rent or licence fees in government buildings."CM has sought time for a couple of days and that he will discuss with Ministers and officials," he added.
Due to closure, malls are facing financial stress and also property tax has not been waived, representatives of malls said. Besides, electricity fixed charges are being charged, they said and sought its waiver, and financial assistance if any.
There are about 84 malls in the state, transacting business of about Rs 40,000 to 45,000 crore annually, and their continued closure will bring lakhs of employees on to the streets, representatives said, adding that the managements have been paying salaries to employees for now.
Meanwhile, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said, in his opinion malls can be allowed to function, as restrictions like operating with 50 per cent capacity can be implemented, because people there go only for a couple of hours, but strict vigil has to be maintained at food courts.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi Police busts LPG black marketing racket in Bawana, 75 cylinders seized; 1 held
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has busted an LPG cylinder hoarding and black marketing racket in the Bawana area, an officer said on Friday.
A 50-year-old man, identified as Anil, has been arrested and 75 cylinders seized, he said.
The accused was apprehended following a tip-off about the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the industrial area.
Acting on the input, a police team laid a picket near District Park in Bawana on Thursday evening. Around 4 pm, a pickup truck was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units.
"When questioned, the accused failed to produce any valid documents, including a licence, permit, stock register or proof of ownership for the cylinders," the officer said.
During interrogation, Anil revealed that more cylinders were stored at nearby premises. Based on his disclosure, police raided two rooms and an iron shed near a factory in the area.
"A total of 48 additional cylinders were recovered, taking the overall seizure to 75. The cylinders were stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious risk," the officer said.
Disruptions in maritime supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict have caused an LPG crisis in India.
