WB CM Mamata Banerjee may ease restrictions on few sectors after 21-day lockdown

After chairing a meeting of trade and industry representatives at Nabanna, state secretariat, on Thursday evening, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government is exploring option of granting a partial relaxation to transport sector and allowing some industries to operate with a small workforce. While she said that state government will support Centre's decision on lockdown extension after April 14, she added that she may ease some restriction for welfare of her state amid coronavirus outbreak. 

READ |  Mamata Banerjee reveals details about COVID-19 cases in WB, says '7 hotspots identified'

After a meeting with trade and industry representatives, Banerjee said state government is contemplating idea of minimal transportation like giving a go-ahead to taxis to hit streets again, but carrying t more than four persons, including driver. "We have already allowed home delivery of food and or goods. Some kind of transportation is needed (for movement of various goods) but t in a mass manner. "But whatever we do, it has to be done houring lockdown for sake of human lives," she said.

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates

state government is also thinking of allowing certain industries to operate with a small number of workers inside factories. She urged corporates and industry bodies to support markets in various parts of city in maintaining social distancing and provide hand sanitiser to people visiting those areas. She also assured industry representatives that deadline for government licenses will be extended from March 31 to June 30. " process of obtaining such licenses will also be made online," Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said.

Regarding tea industry, she said her government has decided to allow tea gardens to reopen initially with a 15-per cent workforce, as it is required to prune bushes, which have grown old due to closure. On financial relief measures sought by certain sections of industry, Banerjee said, "Our hands are tied. We have to repay a large amount every year towards central government loans. It is t possible to give any concession like relief on electricity duty." Such concessions can only be provided by Centre, she added. 

READ | WB CM Mamata drops hint for support to lockdown extension by Centre, says will speak to PM

Coronavirus cases in West Bengal

CM Banerjee said here on Thursday said that twelve more people tested positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal, taking total number of active cases in state to 80. She said that three persons were discharged from hospital following recovery.

"Till yesterday, number of active cases stood at 71. Today, three persons were released, but 12 fresh cases were reported. total number of active cases w stands at 80 in Bengal," Banerjee said. Among 12 are a health worker and medical superintendent-cum-vice principal (MSVP) of a state-run hospital in Howrah, chief minister said.

(with PTI inputs)

READ | 12 more test positive for COVID-19 in Bengal, 3 discharged after recovery