Pic: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 22: District Catering Owners’ Association, Shamiyana Owners’ Association, South Canara Photographers’ Association and Sounds and Lightings Owners’ Association demanded packages from the government as they too are affected due to the lockdown restrictions.

Addressing media here on Saturday May 22, South Canara Photographers’ Association Dakshina Kannada and Udupi president Shirdhar Shettigar said, “The photographers are in dire straits due to the lockdown. Last year, many photographers invested lacs of rupees on cameras, but due to the lockdown, our business is shut down and we are in trouble. We are unable to pay EMIs. On the other hand, we are receiving messages from children’s schools asking to our ward’s fees. Due to the lockdown, we are suffering.”

District Catering Owners’ Association president Anish said, “Our busy season runs only for five to six months. Lockdown was imposed during that season. We have nearly 120 people registered with over 2,000 workers. It has been difficult for us with no much orders.”

Shamiyana Owners’ Association president Bhaskar Rao said, “The government has neglected our business while announcing packages. Even last year, we were neglected. We demand a financial package from the government.”

The associations also said that the government should show concern towards them as even they have families and workers to take care. “During the last lockdown, we were completely ignored. This time around, we were expecting the government to consider us while announcing packages. But we are neglected again,” they said.

Sounds and Lightings Owners’ Association president Ashok Kumar, Venkataraya Pai, South Canara Photographers’ Association Dakshina Kannada and Udupi general secretary Harish Adyar and others were present.