Team Herald
PANJIM: Presidents of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Goa council, Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), Goa Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Association GPMA), Verna Industries Association (VIA) and Business Network International (BNI), Goa chapter met Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday morning to extend the industry support to government’s lockdown and other measures taken to restrict and control spread of COVID-19.
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The representatives of these industry bodies requested a few concessions to industry so as to facilitate skeletal services and also finish some ongoing pending work.
Chief Minister assured to study the industry representation and come out with revised guidelines today afternoon.
Salient points which were discussed in the meeting were notifications that would now be issued would be more detailed going forward. paid holiday notification to be relooked at, minimum wages to be the baseline, security and utilities to be manned and pharma would be moved to essential services.
All associations pledged total support to government in tackling COVID-19 related issues and have agreed to meet again with suggestions for counter measures to prevent COVID-19 in the State going forward.
“We requested that all industries not be clubbed under a single closure order and we be allowed to conduct important and mandatory operations during the period of closure. We brought to his notice that security at the establishments cannot be wished away unless the government can provide police protection, certain operation which are needed on periodic basis failing which either the materials or the process can have detrimental effects. These services normally take about 20 per cent of the employed work force,” said the President of GSIA Damodar Kochkar.
He added that they also brought to Chief Minister’s notice that a clarion call was given not to hoard or panic purchase. It’s important that the government makes provisions to allow citizens to have access to food and essential commodities needed for the three-day lockdown. The government accepted our requests and we expect to have clarity in the matter soon.
