Karnataka government allows operation of garment units with 50% workforce during 14-day lockdown

By Team Newsable | First Published Apr 29, 2021, 12:41 PM IST

Following demands by garments manufacturers and unions, the State government on Wednesday permitted garments units to operate with 50% of its workforce strictly adhering to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, during the 14-day lockdown.

The Karnataka government on Wednesday, modified its earlier order to allow garment manufacturing units to operate with 50% of its workforce during the state-wide lockdown.

The order, which was issued by the Revenue Secretary N Manjunatha Prasad, however, stressed that the workforce should strictly adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour.

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“The movement of staff shall be allowed by producing vail ID/authorisation issued by concerned industries/industrial establishment,” Prasad clarified.

Movement of workers and staff to the units will be allowed by showing a valid ID and authorization letters issued by industries concerned.

Over 8 lakh workers, largely women, have been working in the garment sector in Karnataka. The government has already permitted other industries to operate during the lockdown.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Garments and Textile Workers Union (GATWU) had written to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa questioning why the garment industry was not exempted from the lockdown orders while agriculture, and construction activities were permitted. GATWU had also demanded the government to either allow 50% operations or to provide them with compensation.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Employers’ Association (KEA) had also echoed the same demand. “A total closure (of garment factories) can lead to people returning to their hometowns and them not returning for some time. This will put the industry in further trouble,” KEA President BC Prabhakar said.

“Garment factories employ maximum number of employees next only to agriculture. In Bengaluru alone, there are more than 8 lakh workers employed in this sector.”

“The garment industry has already received lot of orders with strict timelines to deliver. European markets have just opened, and they have sent huge orders. If there is a delay in supply of finished goods to the buyers, it will result in huge penalty, losses and will result in unemployment,” he added.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

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