As the lockdown to halt the spread of Covid-19 continues into its second month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray believes it’s high time some relief is granted, with precautions, so that the state can start earning revenues.

In his letter of Thursday to the chief minister’s office, he expressed concern about the state’s depleting treasury and urged that the need of the hour for the state to take steps to become economically self-reliant. 

“It cannot be ascertained how long the lockdown will keep getting extended. In such times, by opening wine shops, the state will start getting a bit of revenue flow. There is no harm in keeping this option open. Keeping the wine shop open does not mean we are catering to the needs of alcohol consumers. The only reason for this is to start the process of income flow into the shrinking revenue of our state,” he wrote in the letter to chief minister (who is his cousin) Uddhav Thackeray.

He has also urged the state to allow low-budget restaurants and canteens in the state to start parcel delivery of food as many homes do not have necessary supplies and required for cooking or cooking staff. Adding that the hotel and restaurant owners must strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing and hygiene, he said that these measures can be emulated by other states. 

“There are many low-budget small restaurants and canteens wherein one has access to affordable and humble rice plate. It is imperative that such outlets and restaurants be allowed to function. To adhere to the guidelines on appropriate physical distance and hygiene is the duty of hotel and restaurant owners and they should follow it meticulously. This will assist in reviving a small segment in the economic upheaval of our state.”