New Delhi In the video conferencing with the Chief Ministers, the government has moved in the direction that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had indicated on Saturday with the new mantra of ‘Jaan Bhi, Jahan Bhi’. Even before the nationwide lockdown announced for April 14 is over, the government has started giving necessary approvals for running the wheels of industries. Amidst the growing threat of Corona, while there is a general consensus across the country that the lockdown should go up, there is also a view to slowly block the jammed industrial wheel due to its impact on the economy.
Industries partially exempted from lockdown
Prime Minister discussed in a meeting with cabinet colleaguesÂ
Significantly, the day before, the Prime Minister has given a new mantra of ‘Jaan Bhi and Jahan Bhi’ in video conferencing with the Chief Ministers. This is special because when he announced the lockdown earlier, he had clearly said that ‘Jaan hai to jahan hai’. The opinion of Union Ministers has also come along the same lines. In fact, in a meeting with cabinet colleagues a few days ago, the Prime Minister said that they should review how slowly it can come out of lockdown. He also asked to identify industrial activities that could be started in the meantime.
There was a suggestion from the cabinet ministers that industries connected with road construction, manufacture of essential commodities could be allowed to start production in the first phase. If an industry gives a blue print to start industrial activity while avoiding the spread of corona, it can also be approved. But he has to tell what is the arrangement for survival from the disease and treatment in the event of an infection. For example, he should have a disinfectant to prevent infection, a hospital nearby, and at least work in the presence of people. It is said that small and medium-scale industries have been advocated to give a little relaxation so that workers migrating to them can also be employed.
Economic activities are important
According to the news agency IANS, Industry Secretary Guruprasad Mohapatra wrote a letter to Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, saying that conducting economic activities is necessary as it will bring cash in the hands of the people. This step is also important from the economic condition of the states. Pressure will also be less on the government. In the current era, we have to move forward in this direction to deal with the situation of unemployment. The Ministry of Industry has submitted a list of 15 such industries to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which should allow the work. Based on this, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued instructions to the Chief Secretaries of all the states and union territories.
Emphasis on starting road construction
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has specially advocated to start the road construction work. He has also held a meeting with the officials. He said that construction of roads can be started by taking all measures to keep the corona virus safe. Everyone has to follow very strict rules. It is being talked to the secretaries of the states that work can start wherever they are allowed. One problem will be with the workers. Most of the workers in road construction come from far-flung states and many of them have returned to their villages, while some are living in different camps. Their availability can be ensured by talking to district officials.
These industries got permission
Optic fiber cables, compressor and condenser units, steel and ferrous alloy mills, powerloom, pulp and paper units, fertilizers, paints, plastics, vehicle units, gems and jewelery and SEZ and export related companies have been allowed to operate. Industries related to transformers and circuit vehicles, telecom equipment and components and food and beverages will also be able to work.
Ministries’ views
Lockdown is necessary to rein in Corona, but it is also important to manage the economy
Approval of certain business activities there by identifying areas protected by infection
-India related to road construction and essential goods should be allowed in the first phase
Industries with blue print protection against infection should also be allowed with conditions
Work with minimum staff without compromising on physical distancing
Government decision
– Many important industries will be able to work in a shift with minimum staff
Permission to work in all three shifts with safety standards in the cement industry
Construction approved with the living arrangements of the workers at the construction site itself
– Permission for cart vendors in the galleries to supply fruit and vegetables from house to house
– refrigerator, TV, AC repairers will also be able to work by managing security
In view of the need, there will be no restriction on the work of washerman, carpenter and electrician
