SEZ operations, rural employment picking up after lockdown relaxation: MHA

NEW DELHI: Nearly 60% food processing units, over 2,825 units in special economic zones (SEZ) and 350 export-oriented units (EOUs) have resumed operations since the home ministry relaxed lockdown guidelines to restart the economy by allowing additional activities to be taken up in the ‘green’ zones.

MHA joint secretary Punya Salila Srivastava told a media briefing here on Monday that MNREGA works relating to water conservation and irrigation assets had picked up speed after they were permitted by the home ministry starting April 20. This has generated employment for 2 crore people, she said.

Likewise, Srivastava added, construction activities, brick kilns and road laying had resumed in the rural pockets, generating employment for both local and migrant workers. “It is however imperative that all precautions are taken and social distancing norms followed as per National Directives for COVID-19 Management, which require wearing of face masks and adherence to all hygiene and health protocols,” she stated.

As per the officer, agricultural activities relating to rabi crop were on track with 80% of the wheat crop harvested across the country till April 26. “Over 2,000 main mandis, or nearly 80% of the country’s mandis, have resumed operations. Procurement of pulses and oilseeds is underway. ‘Kisan Rath’ app has made selling and buying of crops easy for both farmers and buyers. Over 80,000 farmers and 70,000 buyers are registered on this application,” she said.