Maharashtra government is likely to take a decision soon on the reopening of hotels and restaurants in the state. The decision on reopening will be taken soon after finalising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Interacting with various associations of hotels and lodges, CM Thackeray said that the hotel industry played a crucial role in the tourism sector. He has appealed companies to not to retrench their workers even if there is a wage cut.
“SoPs for reopening hotels and restaurants are being finalised. Once that is done, a decision on reopening hotels and restaurants will be taken soon,” the Chief Minister said in a video conference meeting.
In order to reopen industries in the state in a staggered manner, the Maharashtra government had last month launched the ‘Mission Begin Again’ or Unlock 1.
Given that the ‘Mission Begin Again’ is underway, he has urged the hotel industry not to retrench workers and has also assured that the reopening would be done carefully with the emphasis on health and safety.”(Factors like) SOPs, regulation and self regulation, work force strength, health safety measures etc. are very much important,” Thackeray said.
On the other hand, Tourism Minister, Aaditya Thackeray has applauded the role of the hotel industry in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. “The (hotel) industry has played an important role since day one (of the COVID-19 outbreak) by housing frontline warriors in hotels and lodges,” Aaditya said while addressing the virtual meeting, after the CM.
During the virtual meet, the hoteliers too gave a few suggestions to the CM. They have suggested that water and electricity should be provided at the rate which is applicable to other industries. The industry representatives underlined the need to restart their establishments stating that the state government is losing revenue due to the extended shutdown. The industry is losing over Rs 6 crore per day due to the lockdown, they said.
The hoteliers further stated that if social distancing norms (for patrons) and overall hygiene protocol is maintained, then there is no problem (in reopening hotels).
Addressing a meeting of office-bearers of the Bhartiya Kamgar Sena, the labour wing of the ruling Shiv Sena, the chief minister said employers should not retrench their workers even if there is a wage cut. He assured to speak with the management of companies which are laying off workers.
