Maharashtra, India’s largest regional economy, will allow a limited number of sectors to resume business on Monday, after a weeks-long shutdown to slow the spread of coronavirus left millions out of work.he also said that industries which are ready to provide accommodation to their workers during the lockdown will be given food grain supply and permission for raw material from the state. Industries based in green and orange coronavirus zones of the state will be allowed to resume operations, but in a restricted manner.Thackeray said borders of all districts would remain sealed and only essential services movement will be allowed.
“There are no restrictions on movement of agriculture produce and farm equipment. All the essential items will remain exempted from the lockdown restrictions, he said.
The chief minister also said his government will take care of all migrant labourers in the state.
“I urge them to stay here till the lockdown is in force. I will take care of their food. Once the lockdown is over, I will ensure they reach their homes safely,” he said.
“Currently, lockdown is necessary. No relaxations should be given in the hotspots in the city,” he told a press conference, adding he would review the situation later in the month. On Sunday, the Indian government also revoked permission for e-commerce firms like Flipkart and Amazon.com Inc to supply non-essential goods during the lockdown.
The decision came after the Confederation of All India Traders, which represents millions of small brick-and-mortar businesses, said allowing online firms to deliver non-essential products would give them an unfair advantage.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that over 70 per cent of novel coronavirus cases reported in the state were asymptomatic and the patients did not know that they were infected.
In a video message, Uddhav Thackeray appealed everyone to report to the authorities and not hide if anyone shows any symtoms for the deadly novel coronavirus, adding that, however, 75-75 per cent Covid-19 cases are asymptomatic in nature.
“Our culture is to help each other. Don’t worry that you will be boycotted. So come forward,” he said.
“Do not be scared, we will provide PPE kits. I won’t deny that they are available with ample numbers but we are trying hard. It is getting sorted as we are getting some of the kits from Centre as well as we are providing too,” Uddhav Thackeray said.
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