The Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal has told the industry and trade associations to take care of their employees and workers in this hour of crisis and distress. Talking to representatives from various manufacturing, industry and trading associations from across the country today through video conference, he said that they are not only their assets and resources, but also could become potential carrier of COVID-19, if they are allowed to migrate en-masse throughout the country and countryside, during this pandemic. The Minister of State for Chemicals and fertilizers and Shipping (I/C) Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, who was also present in the VC, also stressed on retaining the workers and laborers on the payroll and at the same place. He said that their movement will jeopardize the nationwide lockdown, and also affect the early normalization in the post-COVID period. 

Shri Piyush Goyal exhorted the associations to show the spirit of service and selflessness, and participate in protecting the nation and society. He said that the Government is fully committed to support all the sections of the society, and is taking relief and confidence-building measures. Shri Goyal called upon them to spread the message about the steps taken by the Government in containing the menace of COVID-19, with the help of their stakeholders. He said that they should also engage with various society influencers, including the leaders of different religions and faiths, to propagate all preventive measures, like washing of hands, maintaining social distance, and other health precautions.

Responding to the various issues raised in the conference, Shri Piyush Goyal said that the instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs make it clear that Goods movement of any type will not be curtailed in the country. He said that essential services and activities required to sustain these services will continue, though with abundant precaution and proper social distancing. He appreciated the initiative of several industries in supporting their employees and workers in distress, and ramping up the capacity of essential commodities, particularly the Ventilators, and also some of them using their premises in running community kitchens. Shri Goyal further said that many issues raised by the associations relating to other ministries and agencies, will be expeditiously taken up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and an early solution found. Referring to post-COVID scenario raised by certain participants, Shri Goyal expressed the confidence that the country will soon come out of this unprecedented crisis, and in a stronger position. He said that the situation would lead to more “Make in India” and Make in India for the world.

The Video conference was held with the associations to assess the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown in the country, and get their feedback and suggestions in ameliorating the situation. The Ministers of State for Commerce & Industry Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Shri Som Parkash, Commerce Secretary Dr Anup Wadhawan, and Officers of department of Commerce and DPIIT were among those present in the meeting. The Associations narrated their assessment of the impact of the lockdown and pandemic on their activities and businesses, and made a range of suggestions. Today’s meeting was attended by the representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Laghu Udyog Bharati, Eastern Chamber of Commerce, CAIT, South Indian Chamber of Commerce, IMC, NASSCOM, SIAM, IMTMA, IEMA, FISME, IEEMA, ICC.

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YB/AP