Pune: The Pune District Retailers’ Association on Monday staged an agitation in Kothrud, alleging of harsh and unjust action by Pune Municipal Corporation squads against shopowners in several parts of the city over the past some days. The association warned it would intensify the agitation if the civic administration continued the drive and did not initiate talks with the retailers.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified action against shops occupying footpaths or encroaching upon roads by dismantling illegal and temporary structures on public spaces. Association leader Sachin Nivangune, however, alleged that several shopowners not involved in any encroachment were also facing punitive measures by PMC squads. “Such unwarranted action is severely affecting business and has created widespread resentment among shopowners, who feel they are being targeted without valid reasons,” he said.Another office bearer of the association said shopowners were not opposed to rules, but the issue had become serious due to increasing complaints of “unnecessary action” being reported daily. He said the association’s local branches across the city had been receiving multiple representations from traders about what they describe as arbitrary action by PMC officials.“The association has consistently cooperated with PMC and the city police in implementing safety measures. Many shopowners have installed CCTV cameras at their establishments and are complying with waste collection norms by handing over daily garbage to PMC. Despite this, they are being penalised,” the office bearer said.The association said PMC should hold a joint meeting to address the issue. “We are ready for talks to understand PMC’s expectations. We will ensure our members comply with the rules, but the administration must stop actions that are hampering business and disrupting services provided by shopkeepers,” Nivangune added.
