Indian apparel exporters want exemption from lockdown

New Delhi

Indian apparel exporters have urged the government to spare them from the
COVID 19 triggered second lockdowns as things are finally looking good for this
hard-hit industry with migrant workers returning, orders stabilising, and
better exports. Last year, the pandemic brought the world to a standstill,
and as the industry was recovering from the loss, the second wave of COVID 19
has struck the country. Regarding this dire situation, the Apparel Export
Promotion Council (AEPC) has requested the government to exempt factories from
lockdowns and asked for an essential service tag for the labour-intensive
apparel export industry.

A Sakthivel,
Chairman, AEPC, in his letters to the government, stated the
dependence of over 13 million workers (directly and indirectly) on the
industry. Rural and backward areas, which are largely composed of MSMEs, will
be severely affected if any disruption in workflow occurs at this stage.

Sakthivel
noted that the strict safety precautions and hygiene protocols being followed
by all factories as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines and
other advisories. He also mentioned that COVID-19 tests
and check-ups are being regularly conducted and apparel exporters are prepared
to take all necessary measures. However, a lockdown, even a partial one can
ruin their chances of a better future.

The AEPC Chairman
added that a new lockdown would cause a major disturbance in the apparel
industry, especially after the immense hard work that’s been put in to get back
on the global map.

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