CII is working with the State Governments towards supporting MSMEs to overcome the economic downturn
Coimbatore: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has pledged to play a major role in spreading pandemic awareness and vaccine advocacy.
In a press release issued by CII, it is said, "The recent spike in Covid-19 cases, which have come after months of decline, poses a challenge to sustain the growth momentum in the southern states, which had witnessed positive signs of economic revival before the onset of the second phase of Covid-19.
The Government handled both lives and livelihoods effectively during the first wave. It could do so again by keeping industrial activities out of the ambit of partial lockdowns aimed at restricting social gatherings. This will help the southern states to recover from the economic contraction and stabilize the upward growth trends being currently witnessed in several sectors."
The statement added, "CII welcomes various measures being undertaken by the Government of India, State Governments, to ease the stress of businesses during the situation arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 and the consequent nation-wide lockdown. These measures have been helpful in providing some relief to businesses during the past. Ensuring continuity and sustainability of businesses amid the Coronavirus crisis is extremely important, especially for the MSMEs. CII is working with the State Governments towards supporting MSMEs to overcome the economic downturn by facilitating cross-sector initiatives and policy interventions through the State Governments."
CII is also said that they are working closely with the State Governments to ramp up the vaccination drive with the support of member organisations. "CII in partnership with southern state governments facilitated the setting up of vaccination camps at industry premises and through this initiative over 75,000 employees have been vaccinated across the southern region," they had said.
The CII will also work with Member companies in mobilizing support in setting up makeshift hospitals in coordination with State Governments, besides ramping up the production of Oxygen, Ventilators, and other medical items which are all of the critical needs to meet the current crisis.
C K Ranganathan, Chairman, CII Southern Region and Chairman & Managing Director, CavinKare Pvt Ltd, said, “Stringent enforcement measures and strict adherence to health and safety protocols are essential to control the spread of Covid-19 and also help in bringing the economy back on track. While the Indian Industry is well prepared and equipped for implementation of stricter health and safety protocols, the stringent implementation of safety norms is better options rather than partial lockdowns”.
He further said, "Saving the lives and sustaining livelihoods of people is an equal priority for CII and it will work towards educating communities in their operating areas on the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and also support in the vaccination drive."
Ms. Suchitra K Ella, Deputy Chairperson, CII Southern Region, and Co-Founder & Joint Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd said that protecting livelihoods along with lives is essential and the industry is keen to work with the Government on universal coverage.
She added, "The recent announcement by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for making 18 years and above for the vaccination program and the implementation of strict health and safety protocols will help us to come out of the crisis early. CII is working with its members and their supply chains in enhancing the availability of oxygen and other medical inputs to meet the immediate requirements. CII is also conducting Vaccination drives in all district / Zonal level centers with the support of its members."
In order to address the spread of the virus and also sustain the growth momentum of the economy, CII has said that they will urge the State Governments in Southern Region to consider the following measures for the benefit of all stakeholders concerned:
1. State Governments (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu & Telangana) should ensure strict enforcement of COVID protocols among the public, workplace, and in industrial and commercial establishments.
2. State Government should start procuring the vaccines on a war footing and collaborate with industry in the mass vaccination program.
3. Industry sectors such as; Food Processing, Textiles, FMCG, Medical, and Power should be exempted from the restrictions and curfew.
4. To consider relaxation to organisations which are exporting 100% of their production to operate 24/7 and also to be classified as essential services.
5. The NBFC sector is very important for sustaining lives and livelihoods across the country. The sector should be brought under essential services on the lines of the banking sector and allowed to function during curfews/lockdowns.
6. All employees working night shifts in the essential services category should be allowed to travel without any restriction during the lockdown, night curfew.
The statement also said that the part of the relief measures, CII has been working with the industry in ramping up the production and supply of critical items like Vaccines, Oxygen, Sanitizers, PPE, Mask, Gloves besides other medical items.
"CII Young Indians and the Indian Women Network have been roped in to extend support and also to channelize the relief materials to beneficiaries in close coordination with the district administration and primary health care centers across the Southern States," it said.