The state governments have implemented the lockdown at the local level according to their own. Wherever there is lockdown, e-commerce companies have been allowed to supply only essential goods.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has told the industry chiefs that the discrepancies in the classification of goods in different states will be taken into consideration. This means that the government can clarify the definition of essential and non-essential goods in the case of goods supplied by e-commerce companies. Sources gave this information Sitharaman had said in a meeting with industrialists associated with the FICCI board, that different states have different arrangements regarding what items are supplied by e-commerce companies are mandatory and which are non-essential.
Sources associated with the case said that according to the Finance Minister, this is a suitable subject for consideration and she will take the matter to the Group of Ministers. No comments have been received from the Finance Ministry and FICCI at this time. Many states have imposed ‘lockdown’ locally to prevent corona virus infection. Under this, they have approved the supply of only essential goods to e-commerce companies. But the list of such commodities is different in different states. A state has also put liquor in the list of essential goods and has given permission to take it to the home.
Work is going on on a five-tier strategy
Addressing the representatives of industry body CII and FICCI, Sitharaman urged the industry to watch and wait for the next few days to assess the situation. He assured the industry all kinds of assistance from the government. He said that a five-tier strategy to deal with Kovid-19 cases… investigation, surveillance, treatment, proper conduct (wearing of masks, distance etc.) and vaccination for the prevention of Kovid has been adopted. This five-level strategy should change the way in which the Kovid-19 cases are increasing.
Work is going on on a five-tier strategy
Addressing the representatives of industry body CII and FICCI, Sitharaman urged the industry to watch and wait for the next few days to assess the situation. He assured the industry all kinds of assistance from the government. He said that a five-tier strategy to deal with Kovid-19 cases… investigation, surveillance, treatment, proper conduct (wearing of masks, distance etc.) and vaccination for the prevention of Kovid has been adopted. This five-level strategy should change the way in which the Kovid-19 cases are increasing.
Government’s eye on oxygen supply
He said, “We have given the benefit of the Emergency Credit Facility Guarantee Scheme (ECGALS-2) for these areas and I will ensure that these areas get the full benefit of this year as in the previous year.” Was highly praised for tolerance, patience and perseverance, and described it as the Japanese word ‘gamanjuyoi’. Regarding the supply of oxygen, the Finance Minister said that the government is monitoring the supply and especially of 12 states (Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala). New approvals have been given.
Oxygen import permit
He said that the measures the government is taking include importing medical oxygen, working oxygen filling stations around the clock and using containers for nitrogen and argon for oxygen. Sitharaman hoped that as soon as the demand for oxygen for medicine is met, the industry will also get the necessary supplies as the import of oxygen has been allowed.
