The recent spike in Covid-19 cases, which have come after months of decline, poses a challenge to sustain the growth momentum in the Southern States, which had witnessed positive signs of economic revival before the onset of the Third phase of Covid-19. The Government of Karnataka handled both lives and livelihoods effectively during the first wave and second wave. It could do so again by keeping industrial activities out of the ambit of partial lockdowns aimed at restricting social gatherings. This will help the state to recover from the economic contraction and stabilize the upward growth trends being currently witnessed in several sectors.
Ensuring continuity and sustainability of businesses during the ongoing COVID crisis is extremely important, especially for MSMEs. CII is working with the State Government of Karnataka towards Business Continuity & supporting MSME’s to overcome the economic downturn by facilitating cross-sector initiatives and policy interventions.
During the second wave CII with the help of member companies supported in augmenting and adding around 100 plus ICU beds in Bangalore. CII members have also supported with 400 Covid Care Beds besides 600 oxygen concentrators.
Mr C K Ranganathan, Chairman, CII Southern Region and Chairman & Managing Director, CavinKare Pvt Ltd, said that for managing the present and future of the COVID-19 pandemic, much depends on the ways in which we as people respond & impart ways to live with COVID appropriate behaviour at Work place, Home and Public places. I would like to welcome the steps taken by the Government of India in administering the vaccines for youth and precautionary vaccines for senior citizens and frontline workers. Saving lives and sustaining livelihoods of people is equal priority for CII and it will work towards educating communities on COVID appropriate behaviour and also support in the vaccination drive. CII Southern Region is ramping up vaccination drive among employees and the family members of its member companies. I would like to place on record the outstanding support rendered by the Government of Karnataka to Industries in the State who have been able to endure economic continuity in spite of the recent surge in COVID cases across the state and country.
Ms Suchitra K Ella, Deputy Chairperson, CII Southern Region and Co-Founder & Joint Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd said that Government of Karnataka should opt for coordinated restrictions to ensure economic recovery is not hit and ensure Industries are not pushed to sudden restrictions at the ground level which will be a hit for them especially the MSMEs. Vaccinating the youth and frontline workers is a welcome move by the Government of India and members of CII are keen to work with State Governments in ensuring faster availability of vaccines in rural areas in all Southern States. Precautionary vaccines could also be considered too high-risk population/service sectors & strict enforcement of covid safety protocols in all public places to tide through the current situation.
Mr Ramesh Ramadurai, Chairman, CII Karnataka & Managing Director, 3M India Ltd said that the sharp rise in covid cases reinforces the need for us to internalize safety protocols as part of our life. Industry will constantly amplify this message in collaboration with the Government. This is critical for uninterrupted functioning of industry and commerce. As the cases increase we are also expecting the healthcare infrastructure to be challenged in the states. At CII we will be continuing to work with various stakeholders to support in the fight against COVID 19.
Ms Jyothi Pradhan, Vice Chairperson, CII Karnataka & CEO Kurlon Ltd added that the industry has been swiftly coming out of the COVID 19 challenges in the last year. It has resulted in multiple challenges in the working environment, with higher level of uncertainty. This has also challenged the operations of MSME’s across the country. With the third wave of COVID 19, it is important the Government and all the other stakeholders supports the MSME to sustain during these challenging times.