VASCO
The Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) on Friday appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant not to impose a mandatory total lockdown on industries in the State.
In a press release, GSIA President Damodar Kochkar said the association was not supportive of a complete lockdown.
"The GSIA represents Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as their major stakeholders. In the interest of small manufacturing industries, we do not advocate a complete lockdown.”
“We understand that Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has recommended a total lockdown. The GCCI represents all kinds of businesses such as traders, professionals, service providers, etc., who, perhaps, can absorb the shock of a total lockdown."
"As the first wave of coronavirus was just receding, manufacturing industries were just getting some orders and many orders are still in the pipeline with fixed delivery time schedules.”
Kochkar feared that a total closure of industries would create panic among workers, who may leave industrial estates and not return even after the lockdown is lifted.
“There are industries which have gone for a voluntary lockdown and a mandatory total lockdown should not be imposed on manufacturing industries.”
Kochkar said manufacturing activity should be allowed during the lockdown, while essential services, outlets selling essential items and construction-related activity/repair must also be permitted on account of fast-approaching monsoons.
“We feel the present restrictions imposed by the government are good enough and overcrowding of people should be stopped."
“Industries are taking utmost care of their employees. They have set up testing facilities for their employees and started free 45+ vaccination drive in some industrial estates. Industries have been acting very responsibly and have also helped the government in getting oxygen cylinders/concentrators.”
“We assure the government that all Covid-related guidelines and protocols will be strictly followed by industries," added the press release.
