RAI Appeals To Delhi Govt Against Complete Shutdown Of Retail Operations During G20 Summit

New Delhi, Aug 29 (KNN) Retailers Association of India (RAI) has urged the Delhi government to reconsider a complete shutdown of retail operations during the upcoming G20 Summit as this would significantly impact the retail sector economically.

“While RAI commends the Delhi government’s decision to declare a three-day public holiday in the capital, they strongly advise revisiting the comprehensive shutdown of retail operations. Pledging complete adherence to any Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provided, RAI suggests a more measured approach to closures, potentially focusing on peak times or specific areas close to G20 venues like Lutyens Delhi," the association said in a note released Monday.

The association has argued that businesses stand to in fact benefit from the G20 Summit, especially food establishments and shopping stores.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI said, “Retail is integral to Delhi’s cultural identity. Entirely shutting down retail and food and beverage establishments during the G20 Summit would deprive international visitors of experiencing India’s unique shopping and culinary scenes. We urge the Delhi government to allow at least partial retail operations to promote the ‘Sell in India’ initiative in tandem with ‘Make in India."

The G20 Summit is set to take place in the national capital from September 8-10, 2023.Commuters in general have been advised to remain indoors with educational institutions, and government and private offices across the city directed to remain closed during the period.

RAI represents interests of over 13,667 retail businesses, from small local retailers to large malls.  (KNN Bureau)