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.
Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner SS Nukul on Saturday passed the order prohibiting Jayant Naika, son of Govinda Naika, a resident of Mavalli in Murudeshwar from staying in the district for next three months.
Comments
I think this is the best way police can do. Whoever do mischief and creating problem in their town should throw them to other state for 5 years. Istead of putting them in Jail.
They not allowed visit their family upto 5 years. Then they knows the values of human being.
send him to hell forever. he is a culprt
Kick him out to china or pakistan border
Huballi is not far....send him to Andaman.....or Saturn would be better....
Good Move... The authorities should recognize the trouble makers and give harsh punishment so that the society will be peaceful...
There are many authorities who wear bangles and fear the cheddis. its time to know that cheddis evil power are diminishing day by day and there is no need to worry and live in fear.
The authoriites should do their jobs without fearing the consequences... Do good to the society ... God's help come when our intention is right.
He should have been booted out at least for one year... so that other monkeys will learn .... He may be following the foot steps of his Guru Mutalik and may be demanding 10 laks to start a riot .....
Good Job done by the district police. he should be thrown behind the bars for ever for disturbing peace
Kick them out of Country.Waste Bodies.
Hats off to super star nukul (mr.s.s.nukul), d.c of uttara kannada, for at last showing the guts and courage of
Power of his respected post, to maintain the law & order of the district, by thrwoing out this so called \gandi naali ka
Keeda\" out of the district for the benefit of the peace loving people belonging to all the communities, who are allowed to live & let live harmoniously. Long live india & indians. Jai ho."
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