Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Baiju A M, a small-scale spare part shop owner in Attingal, survival has been an ordeal ever since the pandemic struck. While his savings cushioned the effect of the first Covid induced lockdown during which he opened shop for only four days, the second wave along with the government imposed restrictions has brought his life to a near standstill. “By January, things were getting a better and back on track. But, now, the second wave has hit us harder.
There are no savings and I am unable to open my shop. The shifting TPRs and categories make it even more difficult. When the lockdown was lifted, we were in category B. I could open the shop three days a week. This continued for two weeks, soon after which our area was brought under category C. As the government keeps changing the category slab based on the TPR, everything is uncertain. And so is our livelihood,” says Baiju.