50% Mohali shopkeepers switch off mobile phones

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 26

More than 50 per cent shopkeepers have switched off their mobiles. Those who are answering calls have run out of stock of essential items like wheat flour, pulses and other products.

Residents of Phase 9, 10 and Sector 97, 98, 105 and 106 complained that despite bookings they had not received grocery and other items at their homes. Major problem was for the people suffering from diabetes and uric acid, who cannot eat potatoes or pulses, they added.

A random call made to shopkeepers, whose numbers have been uploaded on the district administration website, revealed that people were calling for getting wheat flour, pulses and other items.

Shopkeepers said they were unable to complete orders as large number of people were calling them for even smaller items. Shortage of staff was another factor, which was hampering the supply, they added. They had to supply items in a particular time, which was not possible, they said.

A shopkeeper on the condition of anonymity said sometimes he had to switch off his mobile phone as he wanted to deliver all orders already received and did not want his customers to wait unnecessarily. After placing orders people kept calling every 15 minutes to know why there was delay in supply of products, he added.

Another shopkeeper said only biscuits and cold drinks were left in the stock and there was no supply from dealers. Meanwhile, dealers at the grain market also expressed their inability to supply huge quantity of consumable items as the supply chain was broken due to curfew restrictions.

“Door-to-door supply of milk, vegetables and fruits to common people is going on smoothly in various parts of the district due to efforts of the district administration,” said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Girish Dayalan.

The supplies went on in transparent and smooth manner in different parts of the district, including Kurali, Mohali, Zirakpur and Dera Bassi, the DC added.

“The interesting aspect is that at Dera Bassi, special spots have been earmarked for people to stand at some distance from each other to receive supplies,” the DC said.

“The people managing e-commerce app bhejo.com have been given ample passes to deliver groceries and other consumables to residents at their doorsteps. Residents use this app or call on mobile number 98884-38884 for ordering groceries, which will be delivered soon. The delivery portal has been asked to accept payments through e-wallets too,” the DC added.

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