Lockdown: States should have one uniform policy for operation of stores, says Metro Cash & Carry

German wholesaler Metro Cash & Carry on Monday asked for a "uniform policy" to be followed by state governments in India for operating stores during the lockdown imposed in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

The company's arm Metro Cash & Carry India said as of now it has adequate stocks of all necessary items, but is still grappling with local authorities in several states over working hours and visits by customers to its stores.

Besides, availability of manpower for smooth operation is also an issue as only around 40 per cent manpower is available to operate its cash and carry format wholesale stores.

"There should be uniformity in the policy across the states. Even within the same state, there should be the same policy across the cities," Metro Cash & Carry India MD & CEO Arvind Mediratta told PTI.

He further said, "While there is clarity from the Centre, at the state level there are a lot of challenges."
Mediratta further said, "In some states like Maharashtra, Delhi and even in cities like Bengaluru, we are allowed to operate stores 24 hours. On the other hand there are states like Andhra Pradesh, MP and Punjab where there are restrictions. There should be uniformity across the states. Even within the same state, there should be the same policy across the cities."
"I do not know how the government have different policies within the same state," he said, adding "every day the notification keeps on changing also."
"There were some problems on the first two days of the lockdown as trucks were stopped and not allowed to cross borders, including those trucks with essential items. Then we had a meeting with Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal and after that it was shorted out. Things are beginning to flow now."