Diversified business entity ITC Ltd on Thursday called for more clarity from the government on where manufacturing is allowed during the lockdown, while seeking that companies be allowed to sell to consumers whatever is being produced.
The Kolkata-based firm, which has a total of around 120 manufacturing units, including third-party owned, said 70-80 of them are currently functioning with capacity utilisation ranging between 20-60 per cent.
Speaking to reporters through a video conference, ITC Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said the coronavirus pandemic will have a significant impact on the economy as well as on the company in the first quarter of the current fiscal, but it is difficult to make a business forecast at the moment.
"What would be helpful there is that some clarity on where manufacturing can be allowed. There are some definitions that are being put, but the reality is that most of the manufacturing units are in the perimeters of urban centres. Those need to be allowed (to function)," he said.
Puri was responding to a query about what more steps are required from the government for industries for hassle-free resumption of manufacturing activities during the lockdown.
He further said, "Even when we allow all industries that are located at the perimeters of urban centres, provided they are outside containment zones, when they operate, it will take a long time for capacity to build up to a reasonable level."
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