The Maharashtra State Government has reportedly received applications from 13,448 industries in the state to resume operations. However, only 64 of these were said to be from Mumbai. This comes as large parts of the metropolitan area remain under lockdown, with recent reports suggesting that the lockdown may likely continue until May 18. It is said that 3,186 industries across Maharashtra have begun operations as of now.
Digging into the total number of applications received across Maharashtra 2,655 have come from Nashik, 2,310 from Aurangabad, 1,748 from Pune, 1,210 from Kolhapur, and 1,183 from Nagpur, while the remaining districts collectively made up for the total number of application received. Industry owners certified in their letters that they would adhere to all the norms and guidelines issued by the higher authorities, including social distancing and adequate protection for the labourers.
It is said that 69,000 workers have so far reported for work although the requirement is said to be close to 3 lakh. Fortunately, none of the labourers have so far tested positive for the virus, although no data is available on the status of testing for the workforce.
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Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has reportedly received 7,081 requests for vehicle passes, with only 2,069 receiving approved. It’s clear that the authorities are taking calculated steps with regard to the reopening of industries as well as the economy. Some shops including those located in residential complexes may be allowed to open in green zones across Maharashtra, pending a decision taken by the State Government over the next few days.
Cities like Mumbai continue to be a hotspot, which means it likely won’t see a widespread opening of industries until mid-May. Considering that the authorities are expecting a spike in cases by May, the only hope is to ramp up testing capabilities and identify positive cases early.
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