The direct impact of Covid 19 is being seen on the economy, where industries and businesses are closed, while workers related to it are also facing difficulties due to salary and allowances said Senior Vice President of Jabalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Himanshu Khare.
He said that the employers are able to give the wages of the registered workers in March for their ability, but it will be difficult to pay the salary for the coming April and May months.
The need of the hour it that the government should amend the provisions of ESIC in times of crisis wherein the entitlement of at least two years of employment is required for assistance in the present scenario under the Atal Insurance Person Welfare Scheme which should be improved in the current environment and the eligibility for at least two years of employment should be made two months and instead of 25 percent of the salary payable, 50 percent should be given as an aid to the past due salary.
The ESIC currently has a fund of Rs 91444 crore in India, a part of which should be utilized during this disaster. In Jabalpur district there are around five lakh workers. If the government does not bring a special economic package soon, a large number of industries and businesses will be shut down and retrenchment of employees is also possible.
The Jabalpur Chamber has sent suggestions regarding salary and allowances of workers to the Union Labor Minister, the Chief Minister of the State and the Chief Secretary of the State.