Union minister Nitin Gadkari hinted at further easing of the ongoing lockdown within the next 15 days, in order to revive industrial activity as the country faces dire economic problems owing to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. He went live. Interacted with the members of Bharat Chambers of commerce. Before that he said on Wednesday said the situation arising from coronavirus pandemic can be a “blessing in disguise” as several multinational firms are willing to shift their units from China to India. India should facilitate their entry into the country. The Centre is exploring the possibility of allowing industry to use the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme funds for payment of wages.
In the live e-session organised on Thursday, Nitin Gadkari said the matter is being considered at the “highest level”. “ A decision in this regard will be taken at the Prime Minister and Finance Ministry level,” Gadkari said replying to a query raised by a member of the chamber.
MSMEs, which contribute close to 29 per cent to the economy’s growth and 48 per cent of exports, could particularly benefit from US and Japan’s move to lower their imports (sourcing their products) from China in the post-Covid-19 scenario.
Even as several highway developers kickstart operations, disrupted supplies of key inputs such as steel, cement and bitumen threaten to hamper construction work. Private developers have demanded these items should be included in essential category to ensure smooth passage of trucks carrying them. Even as several highway developers kickstart operations, disrupted supplies of key inputs such as steel, cement and bitumen threaten to hamper construction work. Private developers have demanded these items should be included in essential category to ensure smooth passage of trucks carrying them. Given the delay in highway projects could result in both time and cost overruns, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasised on resuming construction work.
“We already have bids under evaluation for more than 1,300 km of length, which can be awarded immediately. Another 1,500 km is ready for bidding,” the Minister said recently.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expected to resume work in nearly 400 road projects following the April 20 relaxations, but work has so far started in only 250 projects.
Gadkari said that the Centre has appointed a consultant which will study imports for the last five years and then recommend how exports from India can be increased and import-substitution achieved.
Paint companies like Berger Paints are looking at import substitution by procuring raw material including pigments and other necessary chemicals locally in wake of the pandemic after supplies from China were hit temporarily.
As a suggestion, the minister stated that extensive highway construction work is underway like the Delhi-Mumbai expressway which is cutting across several tribal and rural areas. MSMEs as well as industries can look at setting up industries in clusters along the highways.
Surjitt sahani
