New Delhi, Apr 25 (KNN) The Retailers Association of India (RAI) on Saturday said the government's order to allow reopening of neighbourhood and standalone shops needs more clarity.

''We feel the current circular is open to interpretation and needs more clarity for easier implementation - terms like market complexes are not easily understood,'' said RAI.

The retail body said keeping in mind the current environment and lessons learnt by opening up of essential retail through the lockout, we would recommend that the Government open up all channels of retail on a date that it feels safe with the social distancing norms clearly defined.

RAI also said that malls in the country should also be allowed to open as they are professionally run and would be able to control the environment for safety and social distancing.

While extending support to the government's efforts to open up the retail sector, the industry body further said, "We at RAI are willing to work with the government to make this process of opening retail easier without compromising on social distancing norms."

The government on Friday night allowed opening of neighbourhood and standalone shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, but at a 50 per cent strength and after taking necessary precautions.

"All shops, including neighbourhood shops and standalone shops, shops in residential complexes, within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State and UT" will be allowed to open during the lockdown,'' Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order said.