Industrial associations ready to implement effective measures, oppose lockdown

Aurangabad, March 27:

The situation is worrisome as the number of Covid patients is increasing in the city. Therefore, the administration is planning for a lockdown. However, members from the industrial associations have strongly opposed the lockdown. Entrepreneurs expressed the view that the government and local administration should create maximum health facilities instead of disrupting the economy by imposing lockdowns. The entrepreneurs also stressed starting vaccination drive and increasing testing facilities for industrial workers.

Corona infection has been on the rise in the district. The administration has implemented a partial lockdown and the possibility of a complete lockdown for a few days cannot be ruled out. However, industrialists have opposed the decision. Commenting on the issue, Massia president Abhay Hanchanal said the lockdown was no longer affordable. After a year of closure, markets and industries are back on track. Effective ways must be found to keep patients at bay such as increased testing and vaccination. Lockdown now will have serious repercussions on small and medium industries supplying goods in the country and abroad. If the industry shuts down now, it will be difficult to get it back on track.

Important to raise awareness

The administration should be used more effectively used rather than announcing lockdowns and making the situation difficult for the trading community. Traders have already suffered huge losses. Traders are now complying with all regulation and tests. Nearly 80 per cent of traders have got themselves tested. They must be allowed to open their shops and resume business instead of lockdown. Instead of closing down shops, the administration must now implement both treatment and vaccination effectively, said Jilha Vyapari Mahasangh president Jagannath Kale.

It is important to continue the economic cycle

The number of patients needs to be reduced. At the same time, the economic cycle must continue. For this, the state government should undertake a systematic programme and not opt for a lockdown. This will create a problem regarding employment and will also cause revenue loss. Industry and trade will be adversely affected. Industries are open in other states. If there is a lockdown here, there is fear that all orders from Aurangabad will be diverted to other states. Production can continue in compliance with all safety rules said CII Marathwada vice president Prasad Kokil.

Testing should be increased rather than lockdown

Thousands of patients are found in Aurangabad every day. This is a matter of concern for the government and the citizens. If the outbreak continues, the administration is considering a lockdown, but frequent lockdowns are not affordable to any business. It will again have a huge impact on industry, trade and all sectors. Preventive measures are more important than lockdown. Testing and vaccination should be increased. If the administration allows, we can make space available in the industrial sector for vaccination. If the administration sets up camp, our workers can get vaccinated, said, Kamleish Dhoot, president, CMIA