Industry hails five-day lead time to open units

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 15

The industry has welcomed the four-five days of lead time given by the government to prepare for the partial lifting of the lockdown as against just four hours before India shutdown on the night of March 24.

“The guidelines issued today are extremely relevant and give comfort to industry about the phased restart of the economy,” said CII president Vikram Kirloskar. “The PM’s directions on graded opening will help start some production activity and ensure no shortage is faced,” noted FICCI president Sangita Reddy.

FICCI director general Dilip Chenoy said since this period coincided with the harvesting of the rabi crop, the opening up of agriculture and allied sectors and the graded lifting of lockdown in key sectors would considerably alleviate hardship in rural areas.

While courier services and e-commerce offices are being allowed, the industry wants the government to look into home delivery of retail products such as electronics and other household items.

CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee also felt the phased exit from lockdown provides a roadmap for economic restart after May 3.

“The resumption of construction of renewable energy projects is a welcome move. We will be utilising the opportunity well, while being extremely cautious at the same time,” said Sanjeev Aggarwal, CEO of Amplus Solar.