Chennai Corporation drops uniform penalty proposal

Earlier, the civic body had decided to fix and impose uniform penalties based on the type and size of commercial establishments. “Due to administrational reasons we have dropped the proposal and decided to follow the existing method. We will continue to impose a fine of Rs 100 against the persons not wearing masks,” an official said. 

The civic body officials in the zones are collecting varying fine amounts from the violating shop owners after sealing the shops. Due to the confusion, a decision was taken and the civic body prepared a proposal only to drop it. During the preparation of the proposal, an official had pointed out that the field officials are collecting lesser amounts from the shop owners of big establishments as well as from the smaller shops. As per the regulations, the shop owners should ensure social distancing in the shops and they should not sell products to the persons not wearing masks. Meanwhile, the civic body had issued an order forcing the huge commercial establishments, which were selling multiple goods, to shut down until further order.