Delhi L-G rejects Kejriwal’s proposal to lift weekend curfew

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has rejected the Arvind Kejriwal government’s request to lift the weekend curfew in the capital and ease restrictions. However, private offices have been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent capacity.

Baijal underscored that the curfew would remain in Delhi until Covid-19 cases reduced. The weekend curfew in Delhi was imposed from January 7, 2022, and the odd-even scheme was implemented in markets from January 1.

On Friday, the Delhi government had sent a proposal to the L-G recommending the ending of the weekend curfew as Covid-19 cases continued to decline in the capital. The government also suggested lifting the odd-even restrictions on shops and commercial establishments and allowing them to be open on all days.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said in a statement, “The Covid cases in Delhi peaked on January 12 and the positivity rate was at 30%. But now, cases are reducing daily and have come to 10,500. Keeping in view the dip as well as people who are facing financial crisis and losing jobs due to the restrictions, the government has decided to lift weekend curfew, odd-even system in markets, and allow private offices to call 50 per cent of their staff.”

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had approved the proposal and sent it to the LG for final approval. Sisodia pointed out that the proposal would be implemented once they got the approval.

The New Delhi Traders Association, Sadar Bazar traders and other market associations held a protest demanding lifting of the odd-even opening of shops in markets as it affected them financially and was causing job losses.