No.PR-9
April 13, 2020
New Delhi
We will do everything to support Industry for revival of economic activities; General Dr V K Singh (Retd), Hon’ble Minister of State, Roads, Transport and Highways, Government of India
General Dr V K Singh (Retd), Hon’ble Minister of State, Roads, Transport and Highways, Government of India, addressed the delegate on the Logistics issues arising due to Covid -19 in a webinar organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 13th April, 2020. The interactive session was attended by around 100 participants from all over the country.
The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the efforts of PHD Chamber in supporting the government and organising this valuable webinar to discuss the logistics issues arising due to Covid-19. Understanding the deep impact on the Indian industry due to Covid-19, the Hon’ble Minister urged the Chamber to come up with effective suggestions on a smoother and faster revival of the economic activities and assured the government will surely act on them and support the trade and industry in its welfare and growth.
We need to accept that the present time is not normal and hence we need to act wisely and patiently in overcoming the hurdles caused by spread of Covid-19 and not take hasty decisions as the same will lead to difficult times which will be difficult to manage, said Dr V K Singh.
The government has done extensive meetings with various industry bodies to come out with a revival plan, as not only the industry but also the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, is concerned over the halt on the economic activities and the government is doing its best to frame a model to restart the economic activities in the country post the suggestions submitted, said Dr V K Singh.
Dr D K Aggarwal, President PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while welcoming the Hon’ble Minister, General Dr V K Singh (Retd), assured him that the Chamber stands in complete support of the government in these crucial times of Covid-19 and shall further continue to extend all possible help to the government and the society, not only today but also post the lockdown is lifted, to care for humanity and revive the livelihood of Indian citizens.
We support the further lockdown of 15 days implemented by the government, as much as it is important to save the lives of the people, it is equally important to save their livelihood and ensure economic activities continue to reduce the sudden shock when we restart after the lockdown, as more the economic activities get delayed the more cumbersome it will become to restart and revive the industry, said Dr Aggarwal.
We suggest that economic activities be started in the 400 districts which have not been impacted by Covid-19 with complete observation of precautions, underlined by WHO and the government, undertaken on restarting the production and manufacturing units, said Dr Aggarwal.
We urge the government to provide a relief package of atleast 5% of the India’s GDP which comes to a total of Rs 11 lakh crores. Out of Rs 11 lakh crores the government has already provided a stimulus package of Rs 1.7 lakhs and India’s trade and industry awaits the a relief package of remaining around Rs 9 lakh crores for its revival India’s trade and industry, this will go a long way in boosting the morale of the industry and help the economy bounce back post the lockdown, said Dr Aggarwal.
We appeal to the government to announce Rs 50 lakh insurance package for all the logistic workers, driver and the support staff of supply value chain, as done for the doctors, nurses and frontline workers, who no lesser than the National warriors fighting the war against Covid-19. This will instill the confidence in them and motivate them to resume duties with no further apprehensions, said Dr Aggarwal.
Mr Ramesh Aggarwal, Chair PHD Logistics Management Committee put forth the industry perspective, highlighting the issues and challenges faced by the industry.
The Video Conference was also attended by Mr Sanjay Bhatia and Mr Gopal Jiwarajka, Former Presidents PHD Chamber among other senior PHD members and industry stalwarts. The Video Conference was moderated by Dr Ranjeet Mehta, Principal Director, PHDCCI. The industry participants shared their issues and challenges while also suggesting relief measures and steps to ensure smooth supply chain and logistic operations.
Ends.
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry