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.
Shabina Khan Nazneen (25) resigned on Wednesday, accusing her senior of forcing her to remove burqa and hijab (headscarf) during the teaching period. She cited that it was "not worthy to compromise with her religious sentiments."
Comments
practice madidre full madabeku ...sumne shoki ge haakondu barodalla ...let her go and teach in Islamic university or madrasa ...avra community nalli ondu school and college quality education kodalla ..so heegagi illi bandu ..build up bere ....as per Islam ...non Muslim men should not look at Muslim women ..this lady has not covered face and hands ..high time hijab tax must be put .
Well done....
Good decision since she has trust on Creator... she is not going to die if she left this job... she may get better one...
Divine rule says it is better for the women to wear Modestly.. The women who use their god given intellect will recognize this blessing and follow it.... May ALLaH have mercy on them and protect them ... & May ALLAH guide those who are ignorant of this blessings.
Some of them without verifying the issue are ignorantly opposing it... It is for their benefit & protect oneself when the whole world is going god less... and living worst then animals now a days.
ALLAH is most merciful and most compassionate.. People should read the QURAN which is the manual for whole of mankind and a blessing for the LIFE ... Those who are missing it are really in DARKNESS of their LIFE ...
People heedlessly living their life and without proper knowledge, they come to conclusion & attack those who follow the divine rule.
For ME God's law is the best and it will protect me from the evil eyes of todays world..
Thank u True indian. U opened my eyes.
Ur absolutely correct. I prefer my sister or mom to wear hijab and cover her body fully. Instead of wearing mini skirts.
@bopanna
That means u don't respect Sita mata. Can't u see hijab on all sita matas pictures and idols
SISTER a great salute to you as you follow islam and imaan . with the heart
Even muslims respect Sita mata. Because on her all the pictures and idols. We can see her head is covered with hijab.
I think all women should wear hijab. It protects from evil eyes.
Keep your religion at home .... dont show off to hindu students
if u see Sita mata's Photo. She wears Hijab in all her Pictures.
Will they remove Sita Matas Hijab on all her idols?
O People of INDIA ....remember one thing ...many civilization has brith and death according it dealing with GOD and his rules.....so never late just repent and be good to every one . or else Aad and thamud will be reminded on this earth .
forget INDIA ....even country like USSR were destroyed by GOD using small groupf of unarmed and unskilled fighters from backward country ....so becarefull do not cros the border of aggression ....
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