Ministries looking at scaling up activities after lockdown

Dipak K Dash | TNN | Apr 9, 2020, 17:36 IST

NEW DELHI: Some of the ministries have started preparing their plans to resume normal activities at a higher scale when lockdown is lifted.
On Wednesday, Union minister Nitin Gadkari held a review meeting through video conference in which over 300 officers participated. Sources said one of the focus areas was to work out strategies to motivate labourers, who are still staying in camps at sites, to start working.
Similarly, transport wing officials were directed to take more steps so that there is no hindrance in movement of essential items even in districts and block levels.
“The minister said highway and road construction will remain one of the focus areas of the Modi government as this is one of the major job generators and it has multiplier effect on economy,” said a source.
Officials said NHAI chairman S S Sandhu has also officials to focus on simplifying procedures to minimize hassle in project execution and also to come up with standard operating procedures during the lockdown so that set norms are followed across the board.
Sources said instructions have also been issued in the MSME ministry to allow small and medium scale units located in less crowded areas to resume operation and where the workforce can reach these units without taking public transport. The units will have to adhere to social distancing.
Gadkari, who also hold the MSME portfolio, held a VC with senior officials from the ministry and its allied organisations.
Meanwhile, shipping ministry is looking at quick resumption of major tasks at all government-owned ports. Officials said the ports are still operating, handling import and export of cargo.
Officials also said the railway ministry is also holding regular meetings of top officials to work out a strategy about resumption of passenger trains.
“There are hundreds of suggestions from different stakeholders. All options are being explored whether we can start limited service and then expand it as situation improves. The final call may be taken after 2-3 days,” said an official.