No.PR-46 May 1, 2020 New Delhi PHD Chamber welcome Government’s decision to provide relaxation of select economic activities in all zones, Red (hotspot), Green and Orange Zones: Dr D K Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber We appreciate the decision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji to exit the Nationwide lockdown in a graded manner by giving equal importance to lives and livlihood of Indian citizens, and allowing selected economic activities in all zones, Red (hotspots), orange and green, based on the intensity of the spread of Covid -19 , said Dr D K Aggarwal, President PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a press statement issued here today. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcome Ministry of Home Affairs decision to further extend the lockdown period till 17th May 2020. We appeal to all our member organisations to fully support the extended lockdown period till 17th May, 2020 to eradicate the pandemic covid-19 from the country, said Dr D K Aggarwal. PHD Chamber stand in complete solidarity with the government and is happy to extend a full-fledged support to the government and its countrymen, said Dr Aggarwal. The lock down 3.0 will restart economic activities in a staggered, yet planned, way by granting permission for activities even in the Red Zones (hotspot), like construction activities limited to in-situ construction (where workers are available on site), private offices can operate with upto 33% of strength, food processing units, all agriculture activities, all plantation activities, among others, will go a longway in uplifting the sentiments of the stricken Indian Industry, helping the daily wagers, poor and the needy earn their livelihood and also revive India’s economic growth trajectory, said Dr Aggarwal. We support the Government in its initiative of directing the local authorities to ensure 100% coverage of the Aarogyasetu app among the residents of containment zones, especially in the Red zones, said Dr Aggarwal. The Chamber, through its member organisations, pledges to enlighten, educate and motivate each citizen to diligently and extensively use the Aarogya Setu app, to safeguard themselves and their families against the Covid- 19 virus, said Dr Aggarwal. We urge the government to provide an increased stimulus relief package of Rs 16 lakh crore which is around 7% of GDP sooner than later to mitigate the impact of Pandemic COVID-19 on economy, trade and Industry through various relief measures and benefits, said Dr Aggarwal. A significant stimulus of 7% of GDP would help the economy to grow at around 4% in the current financial year 2020-21, rejuvenate the businesses and refuel the economic growth trajectory of the country, said Dr Aggarwal. Such reform measures would go a long way to help trade and industry to resume business activity in this extremely difficult time, said Dr Aggarwal. Ends. Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry