Maharashtra may let industries to operate in COVID-19-free areas: Minister Subhash Desai

As all business operation is on a standstill due to extension in Coronavirus lockdown till May 3, Maharashtra industries minister Subhash Desai on Thursday indicated that State government may allow reopening of industrial activities from April 20 in, areas where COVID-19 patient has been found so far.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on Tuesday, he asserted that certain relaxation on lockdown guidelines will be given to States/districts with positive COVID-19 cases. Maharashtra has recorded maximum number of coronavirus cases so far with lockdown in force since March 25 to keep a check on COVID-19 spread.

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Desai made anuncement after holding a special meeting with a group of senior bureaucrats from industries and health department.  State is preparing a draft proposal on how to resume, industrial activities in areas where we have t found any cases of COVID-19, he said.

 In an official statement, Desai said, "In areas where COVID-19 cases have been found, industrial activities are likely to resume from April 20 onwards.We will give permissions within framework set by Union government. decision will be taken only after consultation with local medical staff, district collectors, industrial officers and owners of units".

Desai also informed that proposal will be submitted to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray soon for his approval. We are hopeful that industries would resume ir work around April 20. Those who have job at present, some of m could start earning as well. ir tension would get reduced to some extent, Desai added.

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Agriculture will remain a focussed area

Emphasising on agricultural sector, Shiv Sena minister said that agriculture will remain a focussed area for government. Within plan of resuming industrial activities, our priority would be to agriculture-allied industries. Farmers need support in such a situation as well, he said. Centre on Wednesday permitted states to undertake some activities that would set wheels of ecomy moving. A review meeting in this regard was held on Thursday along with stakeholders, Desai said.

Desai also opined that Industries wanting to start operations will have to take certain measures like in-house accommodation for workers. Factories can even arrange transportation for ir employees. If small and medium scale companies in MIDC areas come toger, some accommodation for workers can be provided and se units can resume production and processing, he said.

"If an industry can arrange accommodation for its workers within its premises, it will be given priority by state to resume work. This measure will ensure infection from outsidecomes to industrial unit," said minister.

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Maharashtra has 36 districts. re are six districts with case, while re are some 14 districts where a handful of COVID-19 positive patients have been found. Maharashtra has so far recorded 3,202 coronavirus cases and 194 deaths.

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(With inputs from ncy)