WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
Team Herald:
PANJIM: Industry bodies from the State – Confederation of Indian Industry, Goa Chapter, Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) – while commending the government move to fight COVID-19 has warned the Chief Minister through a letter sent late this evening that stopping industries from work will further damage the economy of the State.
“With the three-day lockdown announced, from July 17 to 19 and the Janata Curfew from 8 pm to 6 am until August 10, Industry proposes exemption for Industry and industrial activity in Goa as it would cause huge economic losses and hardships due to abrupt stoppage of industry functioning, disruption in the working process of various industries already struggling due to the consequences of the earlier lockdowns,” the letter signed by chairman, CII Goa State Council, Blaise Costabir stated.
The letter further states that industry associations would like special measure of precaution may be taken in case of only those industrial units where COVID-19 positive cases are noticed, could be closed and isolated, rather than shutting down all industries, as manufacturing units cannot afford ‘stops and starts’ as many processes are involved, especially supply chain which, once disrupted takes a long time to stabilise.
Hence, in light of the above, Industry recommends to adopt a stance on similar lines as the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka official notification wherein Industries have been exempt from the lockdown, the letter added.
“However, industry associations in Goa, also suggests that, while exempting Industry from the lockdown and the curfew, serious efforts must be taken by one and all to maintain all necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves and their staff during this lockdown period by the state machinery, industry and stakeholders. We look forward to working very closely with the government and extending all support at all times that the state and country is battling,” the letter read.
