Bengaluru, Apr 17: The Karnataka government on Friday asked Information Technology, biotechnology and allied companies not to go for closure or layoffs citing lack of work orders due to COVID-19 lockdown and instead consider measures like cutting salaries among other things.
It said IT/BT companies in the state can resume operations with 50 per cent from their office space after April 20.
Deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan, who is also in charge of IT & BT department, held video consultation with the captains of the industry in light of the disruption caused due to the lockdown, and discussed on the way forward - both for effective implementation of the lockdown as well as the future course to deal with the unique circumstances.
"Immediately we are going to permit 50 per cent, but it doesn't mean that they will be able to mobilise 50 per cent immediately. It will take few weeks for them to do so. Gradually percentage will increase and it will start getting back to normalcy," Ashwath Narayan told reporters.
Stating that there were discussions regarding layoffs, he said, companies should not go for layoffs, instead of that gradation or deduction in the salary should be taken up, so that it doesn't affect the functioning of companies also that are facing less orders.
"On handling such financial crisis they (industry) wanted government consideration with mutual cooperation and understanding the concerns," he added.
Pointing out that concerns were also expressed regarding measures or protocol that needs to be followed if any positive cases are reported in any of the office spaces, Ashwath Narayan said, certain guidelines will be issued in consultation with the Health Department.
"Once the relaxation is given this may become the usual phenomena, as cases will be reported here and there... so in that scenario how we need to work and handle the situation is important, so we will be working on protocols how to handle the situation. So far we have planned for residential areas and not for work spaces," he said.
The deputy chief minister said the IT and BT industry leaders are extremely happy with regard to the support system or backup given by the government of Karnataka, particularly IT/BT department.
Even during this crisis period in the entire world, Karnataka and Bengaluru were able to get a good reputation and become reliable partner, as IT/BT service providers in both the city and the state were able to provide excellent quality services to their clients without any interruption, he said.
If you compare with any state or country, we have done extremely well, and hope that this would get more business, he added.
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, who is also the Chairman of Vision Group IT, were among others present at the video conferencing.
Noting that concerns expressed by the industry regarding passes for employees to commute to office, Ashwath Narayan said, the government would make necessary arrangements in this regard, considering measures that need to be taken after April 20.
Regarding providing transport facility, they can seek for services from public transport Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on a contract basis, he said, adding that "We will be ready to facilitate BMTC."
The minister said the industry leaders wanted internet services to continue with the same quality and without any interruption.
Comments
he is the brother of mangalore information officer Khader shah, i think.
Good boy.. keep it up.. but don't exchange phone numbers ok??
THIS IS CALLED HUMANITY......PLEASE DONT MIX THIS INCIDENT WITH RELIGION....WELL DONE ASHRAF HATS OFF TO YOU..
PROUD TO BE MANGALUREAN....
something fishy is going around on this story... so I am confused with this story
Ma Sha Allha... Job well Done... Dear Haris Bhai,
He is the One Brother of My Close Friend he is Also well Social Worker,
KEEP IT UP BRO...
Mashallah... Well done Haris ,You gave a good lesson for humanity, when someone needs help caste,religion,gender will not come into consideration its only helping each other what it counts.. UR PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR BROTHERHOOD... :) ALLAH GIVE U SAFE HEALTH
The lady may be from a middle class or poor family, that is the reason she may be working as a sales girl. A gold chain may be for her a big asset, it is her hard earned saving money.
so good job done by Haris. Keep it up good work.
couple of Mangaloreans we may find thieves, robbers but 95% of Mangaloreans are good hearted people, who always help each other whenever any difficultly arrives to one another.
If every Mangaloreans do this act then the some particular groups who are jobless will need to find a respectful job. there are lot of looters who loot people in the name of a religion...
BRAVE WORK, APPRECIATED!!!
#7, ALTAF, DOHA, WHY U SEEING EVERY ACTIVITY IN COMMUNAL ANGLE????
chain snatcher trained by job less chaddi & sanghis how can they tolerate my dear brother althaf doh....
Robbery Jihad.. Some may be not happy by his bravery act..
This is how a Muslim should be.This is also Jihad
Where is Thief Photo?
Muslim guy helping Hindu Lady.. Chaddi & Sanghis can not tolerate this.
Excellent work by Mohammed Haris . keep it up
Good job Haris, you are brave.
The name Haris meaning itself is Guardian or Guard.
May Allah bless you
great example for those who Entertained in this kind of situation.
wow we must encourage this, govt should give the reward for his work so more people can come forward to help in these type situation.
because of this people we can roam freely in public. keep it up
appreciable good work haris.
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