the goan I network
PANAJI
Government offices sprung back to life with one-third staff strength as did a few industries inside and outside industrial estates across the State on Monday.
Nearly a month after life came to a virtual standstill since the Coronavirus pandemic triggered a nationwide lockdown since March 22 last, human activity made a cautious comeback to deserted streets and public spaces.
Although public transport is still off the roads, the government's workforce used the special buses arranged through the State-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC).
There indeed were complaints from some of the government staff who reported to duty on Monday of facing transport issues for commuting to work but these teething problems are understandable on day one, a KTC official said.
Some private healthcare workers, who were also entitled to use the special transport arranged through KTC, also complained of being turned down with arguments that only government staff are eligible.
Also, last mile connectivity was a huge issue for staff deployed in offices located in suburbs of the major cities but a good percentage of the employees relied on their own two and four-wheeler private
vehicles. Many of which were seen moving along roads, otherwise deserted for nearly a month during the lockdown.
On day one of the partial easing of lockdown norms on Monday meanwhile, only a few industrial units mostly operating from the 23 estates of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation also began operations.
Very few units functioned in areas outside these estates after seeking nods from the respective local bodies but the government on Monday finalised a detailed check-list and expects a greater number to go on stream on Tuesday.
