Starting May 4, the Karnataka state government, in a sign of relief to its residents may permit the reopening of Malls and liquor shops in the non-containment zones of Bengaluru.
However, this depends on the Union government’s guidelines post-May 3 that are expected to be released soon.
After the Cabinet meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said, “As COVID-19 cases are likely to continue for 2-3 months, both economic activities and efforts to control the pandemic must go hand in hand. We have decided to give permission to start industrial and commercial activities in all places, except containment zones.”
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Further, on the question of Malls and liquor shops remaining open in Bengaluru which is part of the red zone, the CM said that only 38 wards and the containment zones within them will be sealed and not entire wards itself.
He said: “I am confident the PM will permit all activities since it is the expectation of all states”.
Public transport is expected to remain off the streets till May 15.
Earlier on Wednesday, the state had permitted the opening of markets and certain industries in the ‘green zones’ of the states.
The state’s financial situation is in a precarious situation and the state gets more than 30,000 crores as revenue from liquor sales. The state government is desperately trying to lift the restrictions to restore normalcy.