‘No More Lockdown’- Clear Message By Pune Industrial Sector To Maharashtra Government

Pune, 31 March 2021: The corona cases have escalated sharply in the last few days in Maharashtra, and Pune is one of the worst affected districts in the state. More than three thousand cases are registered daily in the city following which the state government has tightened the restrictions.

The government has imposed a night curfew- from eight at night to seven in the morning. Also, warnings are being issued repeatedly about imposing the lockdown again in the district.

Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has clarified that a decision regarding lockdown will be taken on April 2. However, the industrial sector is opposing the lockdown.

Fear of unemployment: Suniti SR of National Movement for Migrant Workers National Coordination, said, “We oppose re-imposing the lockdown. Citizens should strictly abide by safety rules. Last year’s lockdown put the migrant workers in trouble. Now their life is getting better. If unavoidable, the lockdown should be notified at least a week in advance so that the government can provide all the necessary facilities to these migrant workers. Last time people didn’t get to eat twice. Therefore, the government should supply them with essential things and at a low cost”.

“The financial losses caused by the previous layoffs have not yet been recovered. Many people are still unemployed today. Unemployment would rise again if the government imposed the lockdown again”, added Suniti.

Construction works should not be stopped: It is now clear that the district should not be re-locked. At least construction should not be stopped if lockdown is inevitable. The professionals have made all arrangements for workers at the construction site. They are also ready to be vaccinated as needed. The lockdown will hurt the economy, said Suhas Marchant, President, CREDAI, Pune Metro.

Letter sent to CM demanding no lockdown: Sudhir Mehta, President of Maratha chamber of commerce, industry, and agriculture (MCCIA), said, “Citizens must follow the rules. The lockdown will create significant problems for migrant workers, wage workers, and the salaried class. Short-term lockdowns are of no use. Given the current economic situation, lockdown for a more extended period is unaffordable. So there is strong opposition to the lockdown. A letter has been given to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray regarding the demand for no more lockdown.”