Livelihoods: In the wake of states imposing restrictions such as mini-lockdowns and weekend curfews to curb the surge in COVID-19 infections, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has appealed to the respective governments to ensure protection of livelihoods.
The appeal was made after CII, a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group, conducted a poll on the impact of lockdown on the industry among CEOs, from both the manufacturing and services sectors.
Of the 710 CEOs who took part in the poll, 75 percent said that partial lockdown measures could impact the movement of labour as well as goods. This, they said, would significantly affect industrial production.
Acknowledging the importance of stringent enforcement measures to promote adherence to health and safety protocols, T V Narendran, president-designate, CII, requested that any measures restricting social gatherings should not be extended to the regular functioning of industry and commerce. “Protecting livelihoods along with lives is essential and industry is keen to work with the government on implementing strict health and safety protocols,” he said.
Several CEOs also expressed their desire to work with the government for mass vaccinations of their eligible workforce. About 31 percent of the industry leaders said that they would accommodate their labour force in the factory in case of movement restrictions due to night curfew. More than 60 percent of the CEOs suggested that the government should allow movement of workers in all shifts during night curfews and also free movement of goods along with the required personnel to facilitate the movement of goods. This should be allowed with all workers and industry staff, strictly following health and safety protocols, said the industry leaders.
Read this article on how labour rights have worsened post-lockdown.