Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it clear on Thursday that the markets are not going to be closed.
"All the markets will be kept open or else wherefrom we will get our food," she said while addressing a meeting attended by representatives of private healthcare establishments and state-run hospitals at Nabanna Sabhaghar on Thursday afternoon. Chief Secretary, Rajiva Sinha and Principal Secretary (Health and family welfare department) Vivek Kumar were also present at the meeting.
She said: "People visit the markets at stipulated time. In the afternoon most of the markets remain empty. So there is no constant gathering. Those who visit the markets including the shopkeepers should follow the dos and don'ts."
The Chief Minister also directed the police to take stringent measures if any rumour is spread that markets are going to be closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the same breath, she directed all inspectors-in-charge, superintendents of police and commissioners of all police commissionerates to take immediate step if anyone is found hoarding essential goods to black market the same.
Banerjee said: "Markets have to be kept open taking all precautionary measures or else what people would eat." She also directed to take steps as she received information that around 1,500 to 2,000 trucks laden with perishable goods are stuck at Petrapole border. She also directed to ensure proper checking when the trucks enter the state through different entry points.
For the past two days, some groups with vested interest are spreading the rumour that all the markets owned by the state government and civic authorities and private owners will remain closed. Some volunteers engaged by the groups are telling the people who visit different markets to buy as many things as possible as the markets will be closed within a day or two. Out of panic people are buying vegetables, chicken, mutton at a premium with a view that the markets will remain closed.
Rabindranath Koley, general secretary Forum of Traders Organisation categorically said no market across the state belonging to the state government, civic body or privately owned will be closed. "It is nothing but a rumour. Some businessmen are using the situation to make brisk business. There is nothing to panic," Koley said.