Thousands of workers thronged the central market, Lajpat Nagar on Tuesday in order to earn their livelihood. However, they had to return home disappointed after the market was closed on the directive of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Workers, often termed as “labourers”, are the lifeline of the traders as they bring customers to their shops. These migrant workers are now waiting impatiently for the SDM’s order regarding the re-opening of the market.
Salman from Rajasthan, Rockey (name changed) from Gonda, Hari from Firozpur said that after the harsh lockdown, they had hoped to earn good money during the festival and wedding season.
“The supply of material has been stopped as customers have gone to other markets. Our bosses are sitting with officers and requesting for orders to open the shops. We will follow social distancing and other norms,” said Ramlal. These workers do not have enough money to go back to their villages. “What will I do if the Government does not revoke its decision? I earn Rs 300-500 daily, but I don’t have enough money to go back,” said Shyam. “This is the peak season. Festivals like Teej, Rakhi and weddings are round the corner. If the shops remain shut, our bosses will not pay us,” he added.
Hari, who works as a tout in front of ChuMun and Stelatoes stores said, “I get paid Rs 100-300 to invite customers to stores. However, I’m jobless now. The Government should do something about crowd management as the market is on the roadside. Kam nahin to khana nahi (there is no food without work).”
Rockey, who sells mobile accessories, said his survival in the city will be difficult if shops do not open soon. “I sell headphones, mobile phone covers and earn Rs 700-800. I live in Bhogal and pay Rs 2,000 rent for sharing accommodation. I cannot shift my work location because I have to search for new accommodation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lajpat Nagar Market Association met with the district administration and promised to follow all Covid-19 protocols. “We will hire guards for our shops, who will manage the crowd and will take care of social distancing norms,” said a member.
On the condition of anonymity, he also said the market will re-open on Wednesday afternoon as discussed in the meeting. “We have been told that the central market will be re- open from tomorrow afternoon,” the association member said.
This is not the first time that markets have been shut by the district administration after the second wave of the pandemic hit the city. The Laxmi Nagar market, Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Sadar Bazar were among those shut in recent weeks by the DDMA for violation of Covid-19 norms.