SEZ, Export Oriented Units still await permits from states to resume operation

Manufacturing units in special economic zones (SEZs) and export oriented units (EOUs) were not able to restart operations from Monday as they did not receive permissions from authorities in their respective states, according to exporters.

On April 15, the Home Affairs Ministry issued guidelines stating that manufacturing and other industrial establishments with access control are allowed in SEZs, EoUs, industrial estates and industrial townships after implementation of standard operating protocol for social distancing.

Export Promotion Council for SEZ and EOUs (EPCES) Vice Chairman Bhuvnesh Seth said that in most of the states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka, there was complete lockdown.

"Today no EOU and SEZ is operational. Units making essential items and agriculture goods are working since day one. Units are facing problems of cash flow," he told PTI adding that there is no hope till May 3.

Seth said that as the day passes on Monday, there was complete lockdown in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

Noida and Greater Noida have been declared hot spots, but he is hopeful for Haryana as majority of areas were in green zone.

"Few cases were found near Kundli, Sonepat and Narela, where lockdown was strengthened on April 19. Units can apply but permission will be given in phased manner, as per our discussions with officials," Seth said