Resume operations, says FM Sitharaman; India Inc cites hurdles in way

Industry wants cash in the hands of the poor, more policy reform in sectors such as tourism, automotives and aviation

Industry needs to quickly resume operations and increase investments to ride out the Covid-19-induced economic slowdown, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told industrialists on Wednesday. But it may be easier said than done, said India Inc, highlighting low levels of demand and several challenges being faced by businesses, big and small.

Sitharaman’s virtual conference with senior members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was designed to gauge industry’s mood on the recent economic package, a senior government official said. The minister was accompanied by all five secretaries from the finance ministry along with the Chief Economic Advisor. Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti