With the state of Karnataka, which is an automotive and software hub, having extended its lockdown to June 7, major industry bodies CII, ACMA and the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce (BCIC) have urged the Chief Minister of Karnataka, B S Yediyurappa, to reconsider opening of industries with strict Covid-19-appropriate behaviour.

This is in view of many industries including MSMEs and export units being unable to sustain lockdowns in the current form, resulting in extreme distress and financial burden to their employees.

The joint team of Kamal Bali, former Chairman, CII – Karnataka, T R Parasuraman, President, Bangalore and Satish Machani, Chairman, ACMA - Karnataka met the chief minister to apprise him of the situation. The team gave an assurance that all appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be followed by the industries.

Thanking the industry captains for their support, the Chief Minister said he will review the opening of the industries in a phased manner with strict Covid-19 protocols.

CII Karnataka’s Kamal Bali said, “Clearly, there is a complete alignment in the prime objectives of the government and the industry in terms of saving lives, livelihoods and ushering in growth. The CM was assured of industry’s compliance to Covid-appropriate protocol and behaviour. Considering all these imperatives, the CM assured us of a favourable decision on our request very soon.”

ACMA-Karnataka’s Satish Machani commented: “On behalf of ACMA, I informed the CM that if Karnataka halts, India halts and in fact even the world will get impacted as we are all linked. The CM was very understanding and we hope to receive an order which balances lives and livelihoods. We assured to follow all protocols necessary to keep safety as the first priority.”

BCIC’s  T R Parasuraman said, “The Chief Minister along with the Industry Minister and his team are doing a commendable job in these difficult times. I am sure given the current situation, the Chief Minister will review and open the industries at the earliest, while doing a fine balancing act between saving lives and livelihood.”