Pune: As Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad has been classified as a red zone for COVID-19 pandemic, Maharashtra Industries Minister Subhash Desai on Monday expressed difficulties in providing relaxation to industries in these areas. He was interacting with over 500 representatives from different industries, which were hosted online by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. 

Director-General, MCCIA Prashant Girbane anchored the interaction. President of MCCIA Pradeep Bhargava highlighted the issues of the industry amid the pandemic.

Sharing the details of the contribution of Pune in the supply chain across the globe, Bhargava requested the minister to restart the industries in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as the industries of rural areas are interdependent on industries of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. 

"Similarly, as workers are allowed to head back to their native places it will impact the businesses," added Bhargava.

Responding to the worries of the industries, Desai said the government is trying its best to start the industries.

"However, the government is currently focussed on the pandemic. We cannot afford to take a hasty decision. So no permission has been given in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad for reopening industries as these areas have a high number of COVID-19 cases and are in the red zone. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray is determined to make the entire state a green zone by the end of May." added Desai. 

He also shared that around 6.5 lakh people employed in various sectors have resumed work amid easing of restrictions in the lockdown in place for the novel coronavirus outbreak. Of the 57,745 industries allowed to operate in the state, nearly 24486 have started their operation, he added.

"In western Maharashtra alone, 9,147 industries have been permitted to restart work. Of these, 5,774 have already resumed operations," he said.

Speaking on a relief package for MSME's the minister said that the centre, RBI and banks are working on the issue and some decision is expected soon. "We assure the industry representatives that the state government is working on finding solutions to problems of the industries," added Desai.