On Monday morning, Gujarat woke up to the grim news of the death of a 27-year-old boy to COVID-19. He hailed from Nagarwada, a hotspot in Vadodara, and worked in a fair price shop. The news of his death has spread fear and panic among the 17,500 fair price shop owners across the state. Prahlad Damodardas Modi, president of All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation and PM Modi's younger brother, told THE WEEK that, as a mark of respect to the young boy, fair price shop owners and employees will wear a black armband. Principal secretary Health and Family Welfare Jayanti Ravi said that the youngster had dengue and his immune system had weakened.
"Several computer operators have refused to report to duty after the boy's death and it was with great difficulty that we have convinced them to attend work," said Prahlad. Talking to THE WEEK, Prahlad questioned why the government was not giving the fair price shop employees the necessary insurance cover. Pointing out that gas cylinder delivery boys have been given Rs 25 lakh insurance cover by the government, Prahlad said each fair price shop employee and owner should get a cover of Rs 20 lakh. “We have put up this demand before the government,” he said. He warned that they might have to observe bandh for a day if their demands are not met.
While claiming that they have instructed the shop owners and employees to wear masks, Prahlad said the shops should be sanitised at least two to three times in a day. Homes of employees and owners should also be sanitised, he said. “Whether the public wears masks or not is their decision, but our shops should be sanitised,” he stressed. At least in Gujarat, the fair price shops are witnessing heavy rush as the state government has announced free ration for the month of April.