From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 30: In the continued environment of lockdown and slump in economic and industrial activities over the Corona epidemic, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Thursday conducted a meeting with members of various associations of commerce and industries and suggested to be prepared to resume industrial operations.

The meeting was held as the state Government is expecting further guidelines for resuming industrial operations after May 4.

During the meeting, the members of various associations, appreciated the work done by Chief Minister in effectively containing COVID 19 in the State and expressed their opinions and suggestions.

After giving a patient hearing to their grievances, the Chief Minister said the State Government was fully aware of the problems that the industrialists were facing.

He, however, appealed to the industrialists to pay wages/salaries to the employees.

The Chief Minister requested the industrialists to take all precautionary measures for the safety of the employees in the factory premises and wearing of masks and maintaining hygiene and social distance must be mandatorily followed.

The State Government has already permitted resumption of industries in green zones.

Guidelines from the Union Government is awaited for steps to be taken after May 4 and Government will act accordingly, he said.

The Chief Minister assured that the State Government will consider their demands compassionately and discuss with officers and respond positively keeping in mind the constraints of the Government.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the Labor department is providing permission to factory owners regarding extension of working hours.

Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar, Labour Minister Arabail Shivarama Hebbar, representatives of FKCCI, KASSIA, FICCI, CII, AWAKE, ASSOCHAM, BCIC, Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs and other organisations were present at the meeting.