Restrictions put brakes on industrial production

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 3

Industry is already passing through a difficult phase due to the Covid-19 pandemic. New additional restrictions, which came into force from today, have added to the woes of the industry. Although the industry was allowed to function today, all shops selling non-essential goods were closed from, which made it difficult to keep the ball rolling.

Last year lockdown affected industrial production to a great extent. The industry faced tough time as workers went back home. Now, that the industry on back on the track, the second wave of Covid has arrived.

“On behalf of the bicycle industry I appreciate the timely and effective steps taken to minimise the effect of the pandemic in our state. The decision to allow industrial production in Punjab is a welcome step. This will give some relief and confidence of job security to migrant labourers,” said DS Chawla, president, United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association.

“Industrial production is mainly dependent on raw material and allied inputs such as machinery parts, hardware, oil and lubricants and tools. Closing of shops/markets except essential services has made it difficult to keep the industry running. It has affected the input supply to industry,” Chawla added.

Manjinder Singh Sachdeva, from cycle part industry, said, “The main supply to industry is from shops/markets.”

“Shops/markets dealing with industrial inputs should be allowed to open so that the production in industry is not affected. If needed the opening hours of shops can be fixed. Otherwise, the purpose behind the purpose to keep the industry running will be defeated,” said Chawla. and Sachdeva. Cycle industry has also written to the Punjab Chief Minister in this regard.

Sanjeev Singal, a garment manufacturer, said, “Today, I sent my worker to pick up sewing machine thread from a wholesaler, but the shop was closed. Although my unit was open, we could hardly carry on production due to shortage of thread. Some workers remained idle, but I had to pay them today’s wages.”

“To ensure that the industry runs smoothly, shops dealing in raw material should be allowed to open. The administration can fix timings for the opening of such shops.”