Corona Curfew: Kashmir Bakers suffer Rs 40 cr loss ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

Blame Admin, say absence of proper programmes amid lockdown led to huge losses

Srinagar: As the lockdown continued across Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmiri bakers on Wednesday said that it has suffered a loss of approximately Rs 40 crore ahead of Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Fitr.

President of Kashmir Bakers and Confectionery Federation, Umar Mukhtar said that the government had no proper plans and programmes for the people ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

“Unlike previous years, we had made just 20 per cent of the bakery this year. However, the improper mechanism and programmes by the government this year has led to the loss of a whooping amount of Rs 30-Rs 40 Crores to the bakers,” he said.

Blaming the administration, Umar said that it is because of the people at the helm of the affairs that the bakers have suffered huge losses ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

He added that the bakers in Southern districts of Kashmir have suffered much loss as compared to other districts as they were not able to sell the bakery ahead of the Eid.

Sofi Mohi-ud-din, South City Bakers Association President echoed similar views and said that unlike previous year, the administration especially in Srinagar had no proper plans and programmes for them. “The relaxation was firstly announced and later we were being asked to get curfew passes in the middle of the night. How was it possible for us to get the passes in the middle of the midnight?” he said.

He added that the administration has totally failed on the ground and has left the people especially bakers to lurch at large. He said each Bakery house has at least 15 to 20 employees who are being given proper salaries but huge losses have affected the salary paying as well. (KNO)