The industry in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts is struggling to reach full capacity as fewer workers are available in the area following a full-blown COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the state government has allowed a majority of industries to continue production, both large and medium-sized industries have difficulty changing employees and workers in three shifts. There are 35 large and 300 small and medium-sized businesses in both districts.
Many industries have learned to only work with 70% of their workforce. Over 800 employees and workers in the Pydibhimavaram-Pusapatirega industrial zone have tested positive in the past three weeks. The surge in cases has caused panic and many employees have chosen to stay away from work by taking long vacations.
The lack of transportation for workers from nearby towns and villages is also another obstacle for companies to secure sufficient labor in their respective units.
“We asked the employees to work 12 instead of eight hours. They receive additional wages and incentives. Somehow production has continued so far without any obstacles, ”said a senior executive of a company at Pusapatirega in the Vizianagaram district.
According to government ordinances issued on May 5, the industries involved in the manufacture of essential goods can operate around the clock. Other industries should only use workers for a single shift, and workers should be laid off by 2 p.m. Industries involved in construction work only need to work one shift so workers can get home early.
Industries were advised to self-certify and provide details of workers and shift times to General Manager District-Srikakulam’s industrial center. The industry department will ensure approval for vehicles and their movement even during curfew.
“We have instructed all industries to follow the COVID-19 protocols, such as: B. wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in their respective units. The units must tell the industrial department what steps are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, ”said B. Gopala Krishna, general manager of Srikakulam District Industrial Center.
CITU State Vice President D. Govinda Rao urged factories to provide special risk prevention and £ 50 insurance coverage
all employees. He also insisted that transportation be provided for workers, as buses were only operated for managers and white-collar workers.