Trade and industrial fraternity against another lockdown

Aurangabad, April 3:

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday hinted that he will be imposing a lockdown if the coronavirus cases escalate. However, this announcement was strongly opposed by the trade and industry fraternity stating that all businesses are taking proper care of the health of the workers and citizens. Another lockdown will not be affordable to the economic cycle of the business community.

The entrepreneurs are now worried about a second lockdown in the state. Against this backdrop, CMIA president Kamlesh Dhoot said that a few thousand small scale industries are dependent on the few large scale industries operating in Aurangabad and the state. Industries have had to pay a heavy price in the vicious cycle of lockdowns over the past year. The companies have also arranged for the safety of the workers, including the corona test and the treatment of the workers. Entrepreneurs have donated ventilators and other materials to hospitals for better treatment of patients. Therefore, we demand that industries be exempted during lockdown. It would take a long time for the industry to return to normal if another lockdown is imposed. Ajay Shah, former president of the Vyapari Mahasangh, said that both health and wealth need to be taken care of. Infection is on the rise in the city. For this, shops should be started in an odd-even manner. Hotelier Pradip Inamdar said that there are already several restrictions on hoteliers. We have to pay various taxes including property tax, electricity bill regularly. The government has not given any concessions. CM Thackeray must not impose another lockdown or the industry will sink.

Hundreds of companies will shut

"If there is a lockdown again, hundreds of companies will be shut down and that is frightening," said Massia president Abhay Hanchanal. Several new companies are already shut. Many entrepreneurs are also thinking to relocate to other states. Hence it will not be affordable to lock up the business world. We have given a clear message to the district administration in this regard.