Commerce department pitches for limited restarting of manufacturing

NEW DELHI: The commerce and industry ministry has pitched for resumption of manufacturing activity, especially for exports, in a limited manner, with companies following safety and other norms.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal told representatives from export promotion councils and trade bodies on Wednesday that his department is in dialogue with various wings of the government, including the home ministry, to allow factories to start production, multiple sources present in the meeting told TOI.

The issue has also been discussed by the cabinet and in other forums and a decision is awaited. Over the next few days, the government will decide on extending or ending the nationwide lockdown, scheduled to end on April 14, although most state governments have advised caution on lifting the curbs. States too need to be on board to restart factorie