Retailers Association of India (RAI) has asked the Maharashtra government to let malls and shopping centres open by following Covid-19 protocols. Stating that other states like Delhi and Haryana have allowed the opening of malls along with other markets, RAI said letting malls and shopping centres operate will not only help save employment but will also pave the way for citizens to shop in a safe and sanitized environment.

In a statement, RAI said it has asked the Maharashtra government to "allow malls and shopping centres to operate at par with stand-alone shops and markets, and serve citizens in a safe and controlled environment". RAI Chief Executive Officer Kumar Rajagopalan said formal retail spaces such as malls and shopping centres play an important role in the economy due to their contribution to the exchequer in the form of taxes and the people they employ.