Confederation of Indian Industry has asked industry to curtail all non-essential economic activity requiring physical presence of employees at the workplace for the next two weeks. In a statement, CII President Uday Kotak said, this is necessary to break the chain of Corona transmission.
Mr Kotak said, Indian industry should review operations and minimize the use of in-person manpower, limiting it to only critical operations or activities required by law. He said, all responsible corporates should strive to protect their employees and ensure that their employee balance sheet remains healthy.
Mr Kotak said, CII and industry are working shoulder to shoulder with the government in tackling the sharp rise in Corona infections that his hit India and caused much suffering. Industry is lending a helping hand, augmenting critical oxygen supplies and bed capacities.
Production capacities of medicines and other medical supplies are being
ramped up. CII has been putting its head together with the government and medical experts to work out the best possible way to steer through this crisis.
However, in spite of all efforts, the number of Corona cases continue to rise. The healthcare system and medical personnel are stretched to the limit. Measures to break the chain of transmission are of paramount importance to mitigate human tragedy and loss of lives, alongside augmenting health infrastructure and medical supplies, he said.
CII said many auto majors, such as Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, JCB India, Honda Motocycle and Scooter India, have taken the lead by halting production temporarily or advancing maintenance schedules in the interest of the safety of their employees.
CII also urged companies to ramp up vaccination of employees and, as vaccine availability improves, extend vaccination drives to neighbouring communities.