Chandigarh, Apr 8 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced that a task force would soon be set up to find ways for the state to gradually get out of the lockdown.
Addressing a video conference of the state's leading industrialists, the Chief Minister assured the industry of all support by the government to address critical issues and challenges in this difficult time. While seeking the industry's suggestions on the way forward, invited them to be part of the government’s decision-making process in the extraordinary situation that is prevailing currently.
Among the various issues raised by industry leaders was the demand for declaring tractors and ancillary industries as essential and allowing them to reopen to meet the urgent needs of farmers in the Rabi harvesting and marketing season. The demand for declaring cycles as essential commodity was also raised.
Another suggestion that came up was to allow the packaging industry to resume operations, given its importance in ensuring streamlined operations of essential commodities.
Other suggestions from the industry were revival of air cargo services to Chandigarh, as well as incentives to health and medical start-ups in the state. A suggestion for relief to the tourism industry, that had been badly hit by the lockdown, was also discussed.
Problems faced by pharmaceutical companies, which were playing a pivotal role in tackling the COVID-19 crisis, were also discussed.
Among these problems was closure of inter-state transport in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as certain restrictions on movement of goods and labour from Haryana. Cash flow problems were also highlighted by the industry, who wanted clarity on the payments to be made to the workers during this critical period.
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