Apr 21, 2020
Several macro sectors of the economy were expected to start their functioning from 20th April, Monday as the Centre has given its signal for a limited start to motivate activities in some segments but industry players and higher representatives said that it would be an intangible and a difficult task with the lack of public transport and several other restrictions such as mobility of inter-state labour.
Last week, the Centre announced limited continuation of economic activity outside Covid-19 containment zones. It allowed all facilities involved in supply of all essential goods, shops dealing in food and groceries would be allowed to resume limited time-bound operations.
Adhering to strict conditions and in compliance with social distancing norms and other precautionary measures, industries on the outskirts of city, units in SEZs, industrial estates and townships and export-oriented units have also been allowed to restart their units with safety norms observed.
To restart farming, the Centre has allowed harvesting, procurement, mandi operations and inter-state movement of agri machinery. The mega jobs programme MGNREGA with priority for irrigation and water conservation has been allowed to provide relief to workers in rural areas, food processing outside municipal limits and production of packaging material have been permitted among a number of other segments.
The supply chain of essential goods to operate without any hindrance and important offices of central and state governments and local bodies will remain open with the required staff strength.
Operations of fishing (marine and inland), aquaculture industry including feeding and maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging and cold chain, sales and marketing will be functional. Movement of fish/shrimp and fish products, fish seed and feed workers for all these activities have been allowed. The Centre has also allowed operations of tea, coffee and rubber plantations with maximum 50% workers. Processing, packaging, sale and marketing of tea, coffee, rubber and cashew with maximum of 50% workers have also been allowed.
“Post-Covid, there will be a new normal for production, transportation, supply and sales. A graded opening will help people earn their livelihood and enable companies and the nation to develop a framework so that we can ramp up economic activity as we go forward,” said Dilip Chenoy, secretary general of industry lobby group Ficci
Another key issue that has been flagged by industry is the availability of labour. Adhering to the strict lockdown by some state governments such as Delhi to contain the outbreak will also act as a major hurdle.
The home ministry issued standard operating procedures for movement of labour but made it clear that there shall be no movement of labour outside a state or Union Territory from where they are currently located.