CII asks Karnataka to consider zone-wise, stage-wise restart of economy

BENGALURU: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested to the Karnataka government a stage-wise and zone-wise restart of industrial operations after lockdown is lifted to meet essential needs of the economy, ensure protection of livelihoods and jobs, protect export market shares and meet export obligations.

CII Karnataka Chairman Sandeep Singh and Vice Chairman Ramesh Ramudarai met chief minister BS Yediyurappa two days ago and submitted a detailed set of recommendations on staggered opening up of different sectors of the economy with adequate safety precautions and protocols.

Stage I opening of sector, according to the CII reportn include 100% pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, textiles and apparels, food processing and minerals and metals. Stage II would entail opening with a gap of one or two weeks after the first stage sectors start their operations and includes agri market operations, ecommerce including food and groceries delivery, automobiles, chemicals especially those used for sanitation and other healthcare purposes and those that support pharmaceuticals and other essential sectors.


And Stage III could be the remaining sectors after one or two weeks after the second stage sectors start operations, said the CII report.

Sectors that fall into green and amber zones are based on the levels of labour intensity of the sectors. Green zone sectors are those which are less labour intensive while sectors that fall into amber zone are labour intensive. These sectors are recommended to be opened in a calibrated manner while maintaining strong health, sanitation and social distancing protocols, the CII report said.

It outlines detailed sector wise protocols for maintaining health and sanitation and social distancing besides guidelines for maintaining the shop floors and other areas used by workers and employees in factories, warehouses, market yards and offices.