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Partial relaxation won’t make much difference, say police
Even as the State government announced that the status quo will remain until the expert committee apprises the Chief Minister about the possibilities of the partial lifting of lockdown on Monday, city police feel it will not make much of a difference concerning maintaining of law and order.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
A senior official, speaking to DT Next, said the city police are prepared for any situation. Even though the Centre has announced several reliefs, what would apply to the city is the resumption of the IT industry and allowing plumbers and electricians to begin work.
“The software firms have been asked to work with 50 per cent employees. However, in a meeting held by the Commissioner on Saturday, their representatives said they have decided to make employees continue to work from home as most of them are stuck in their natives either outside State or outside the district,” said the official.
S Kathirvel, a techie from Tambaram, employed in a software firm in Sholinganallur, when contacted, said there is no communication from the employer to report to work from Monday. “We have been told that the employees would be asked to report only in batches even after May 3, when the lockdown is lifted completely,” he said.
Another software engineer, on condition of anonymity, said it is still a risk to have 50 per cent strength in IT firms as it would be difficult to maintain social distancing in the cafeteria and even within the workplace. However, he said the staff in his firm were asked about the possible dates of reporting to work.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner is said to have held a meeting with his subordinates and asked them to be prepared to handle the situation if the lockdown is relaxed.
“Even plumbers and electricians would be allowed to step out only up to 1 pm. Otherwise, the same rules will be in place. Those violating the lockdown will be booked as usual,” said the official.
Utility workers feel govt move unlikely to help
While the Centre has allowed electricians, plumbers, motor mechanics and other utility service persons to resume work from April 20, the workers feel the decision is unlikely to help them as the public are still ‘paranoid’ about stepping out or allowing workers or outsiders inside their homes.
“None of them are calling us except for some urgent maintenance work. Though no shops were opened for over 20 days, we managed with the things we had. Even if the services and shops are opened from Monday, there won’t be much use as it might take time for the public to allow workers inside their houses,” said Pachaiyappan N, spokesperson of Tamil Nadu Electrician Welfare Association.
Even during the lockdown period, some plumbers claimed they were receiving regular customers. “We are receiving calls daily, but the orders through Justdial have come down. And we have been getting the required things from the shop we purchase. If we are in need of anything, we should order it a few hours before going to collect them. Also, we don’t have any restriction as it is often urgent maintenance work,” said P Sekar, proprietor, Ammu plumbing contractor.
The workers also said even if the lockdown is partially withdrawn since the COVID cases are on the rise, public panic is unlikely to come down. “So, even if shops are open, sales are unlikely,” said another plumber.
Members of the Tamil Nadu Mechanics Association said the relaxation might not be applicable in 22 districts in the State that come under the red zone. “We have been receiving calls from the customers daily, but due to the pandemic, we were not able to visit them. Also, we do not have spare parts for all vehicles. The mechanic shops in Tiruchy, Theni and Thanjavur only are likely to be opened as they do not come under red zones,” said K Venkataperumal, president, Tamil Nadu Mechanic Association.
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