BBMP chief’s order targets establishments that do not enforce masks or social distancing
Angry citizens point finger at our netas who flout Covid protocols with impunity
BENGALURU:
A new order issued by the BBMP Commissioner, imposing stiff penalties on commercial establishments that do not observe Covid protocols in their premises, has come in for flak from citizens. There is a growing resentment that the common man has to face the brunt of Covid-related fines imposed by the bureaucracy while politicians can disregard the rules with impunity.
BBMP Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad has issued the order utilizing his powers under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020, sections 4, 15 and 17, which enable him to impose social distancing/face covering in public places.
As per the order, commercial establishments like hotels, kalyana mantaps, cinema halls and stores will be penalised if they allow members of the public to enter without a mask/face cover or if they fail to maintain social distancing among customers. The penal amounts range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1 lakh. The penalties come into force with immediate effect.
The reaction on the street is to question why bureaucrats fail to penalize politicians who flout the same rules and why the common man should bear the brunt of these rules. One angry citizen remarked, “Let politicians become role models first before any new rules are imposed on people.”
The penal amounts
1) Self-service restaurants, food stalls, small shops and streetside fast food outlets — Rs 5,000
2) Non-AC restaurants, party halls, stores, department stores, private bus stands and other private places — Rs 25,000
3) AC restaurants, party halls, stores /departmental stores, brand shops, cinema halls, multiplexes, shopping malls and other public places — Rs 50,000
4) Hotels with 3 stars and above, 500 or more-seater welfare hall, community buildings or public places – Rs 100,000
5) Public functions, rallies — Rs 50,000
