PIB News Update:The resumption of industrial and manufacturing activities in the states of Punjab and Haryana has brought relief to the people dependent on them. The Government of India in its order on 20 April 2020 has allowed resumption of selected industrial and manufacturing activities except in containment zones in hotspots. After this, these activities have been restarted by the state governments in their respective jurisdictions.
The shops of agriculture machinery have been in the list of allowed activities under the category of agricultural and related activities. Duni Chand from Haryana, an owner of such a shop said it is good because he can earn his livelihood which gives him a sense of self-sufficiency and dignity. Harvesting season is on in states like Punjab and Haryana and this requires the need for constant repair & maintenance of machines. This will smoothen the flow of agricultural operations which are at its peak.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1254712557501214720?s=09 (Duni Chand voice)
As industries have resumed its operations in the region, further relaxations have come as a reprieve to people owning small shops. Vijay Kumar, who owns a welding shop said that opening his shop for few hours helps him earn as he has no other source of livelihood. In continuation of relief efforts during the lockdown, on 21st April 2020 book shops were also added to the list of allowed activities. Rahul Goyal, a Panjab University student, said he was trying to get books as exams will be conducted when university reopens.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1254641345194409984 (Vijay Kumar Voice)
(University’s Student voice)
As these activities go on, the poor have been provided support via a relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. Completing one month since announcement on 26 March 2020, Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package continues to ensure the interests of the poor during lockdown. Harpreet Sharma of District Jalandhar of Punjab expressed his gratitude to the government as his family has received sufficient rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna. Rukmani from Solan in Himachal Pradesh said that she has received her old-age pension and expressed her gratitude to the Government of India
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1254711922194251776 (Harpreet Sharma)
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1250342341992263682 (Rukmani from Himachal Pradesh)