Lockdown effect: Shopkeepers in Capital switch to selling vegetables

NEW DELHI: Dilshad has a small tea stall in Jamia Nagar and ever since shutters are down for 21-days countrywide lockdown, he has now switched to selling vegetables in front of his shop.

Since essential commodities sales are exempted from the lockdown, small business owners are now temporarily changing businesses until situation ease amidst Coronavirus scare.

"I am not allowed to open my tea stall until the govern- ment lifts the lockdown. This might extend too. I have a family to feed and the rent of the shop to pay. I have started selling vegetables to earn money now. This saves me from police hassles as well," Dilshad said. As you walk down the lanes and bylanes of Jamia Nagar in south-east Delhi, there are several others who have made temporary arrangements to sell vegetables leaving behind their old businesses.

"I had a small electric shop. Since it's closed now and money is needed, I have to shift to selling vegetables. All I need is a wooden table to sell and a chair to sit. I can't sit idle in the lockdown period," said Mohd Mukeem, a local businessman having a small electric shop.

Shameem has a small shop of betel leaves and betel nuts. He is also planning to sell vegetables for the remaining lockdown days. "The rent of my small shop

is Rs 7,000. I have children and daily income is needed. I can'twait for things to improve. I will sell vegetables as this is the easiest thing to do these days.

Will visit the Okhla Mandi toget some vegetables soon," Shameem said.

Business is flourishing for grocery stores as men and women can be seen buying daily-use items.

However, people feel that starting a grocery store would be difficult at this stage as you require an e-pass and proper supply of goods, which has already taken a hit.

Also, the permanent vegetable sellers are now facing some competition from their neighbours as many have either shifted to vegetable selling or are planning to.