MIDC approves more than 1,300 companies to reopen their operations in the midst of the lockdown.

More than 1,300 firms, including manufacturing units, foundries and textile firms have been approved by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to reopen their services in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. The MIDC is the nodal body of the state government to facilitate enterprises with regard to land management, permits and policymaking.

“We have obtained registration from some 3,000 industries across the state, 1,300 of which have been certified by the state to resume production, processing or manufacturing,” a senior MIDC official said.

The official said that as many as 20,000 employees will come to work at such companies, of which 60% would get accommodations around their plants.

The MIDC launched a site named http:/permission.midcindia.org on April 3 and asked businesses to submit their proposals to resume operations. “The MIDC made it mandatory for businesses to implement social distancing at work, provide sufficient supply of sanitisers and temporary accommodation for employees until further notice,” he added.

Companies that conform to such standards will get certification to start operations and 1,355 units have been approved so far, the official said. Of the 1,355 units, 752 were situated within

MIDC areas, while remaining unit, were outside their limits, he added.

Manufacturing, textile, processing and production units were given permits and all forms of industrial activities were authorized without restrictions, he said.

When questioned about accommodation, he said 40% of employees stay in or around their workplaces or in green zones. Big industries would only have to work with 50% of employees, whereas medium-sized and small-scale businesses will run with maximum capacity, the official clarified.