Covid-19 lockdown: Ficci urges easier norms for manufacturing to resume

Industry body wants package for labourers, protection against imports and military support for delivering essentials

While the government assesses the economic fallout of a proposed extension of the current lockdown, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) has said the country can’t afford prolonged confinement.

Arguing in favour of maximum social distancing at all costs, Ficci has called for dynamic policy measures to bringing about a fine balance that normalises economic and social activity in an exit strategy, released on Friday.

Prime among these is a demand for a package for migrant labourers as well as effective messaging by central and state governments to ensure their early return. Ficci has said the