COVID-19: Karnataka trade bodies call for shutdown

Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has called on the industry, service sector, and tradesmen to shut shop until the month-end in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, an official said.

"We hereby request the trade, industry and service sectors to take concrete decisions to close their establishments till March 31," said the industry body's president C.R. Janardhana.

He said FKCCI reiterates its support to the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

"In case of urgent and important work that need to be attended to meet any kind of requirements of the business, the unit may function at the desired level by taking care to ensure minimum level of operations," said a KPCC statement.

Karnataka Small Scale Industries (KASSIA) president R. Raju and Peenya Industries Association (PIA) president Srinivas Asranna have also extended support to the shutdown call.

According to the trade bodies, government orders focused on health and safety of the workforce must be adhered to.

The trade bodies, however, relaxed their call with respect to essential services. IANS