Nagpur(Maharashtra): Union transport minister and senior BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari, speaking on the criticism raised by the opposition regarding opaque exit strategy from the COVID-19 induced lockdown said that we have to learn to live with coronavirus and kickstart the economy.
"It is difficult to ensure safety and security of citizens and fight the spread of novel coronavrius at the same time. We took the decision to enforce lockdown after wide consultation with the state chief minister," Gadkari said.
"We have to work together and develop a strategy to live with the virus lurking in our community. There is no other option until the development of a vaccine," Gadkari added.
'Will slowly open up economy'
On being asked about the surge in active cases amidst relaxations in lockdown guidelines, the senior minister claimed that there is no other option but to live with the virus.
"We have slowly started opening up shops, transport of goods and other service. We have to follow preventive measures detailed by the government at the same time live with the virus. This is not a contradiction, this is the whole truth," Gadkari said.
He said the opening of transport and highways will go a long way in instilling confidence among the public and cautioned towards maintaining social distance and adopting all safety measures like hand wash, sanitizing, face masks, etc while operating buses and cars.
On-demand of a bailout for passenger transport industry, Gadkari said the government is fully aware of their problems, and will fully support them to mitigate their issues.
He said that he is in regular touch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who are working overtime to uplift the economy during these difficult days of COVID-19 pandemic.
Gadkari on meeting highway project deadlines
"We have completed around 30 km in highway construction in the times of COVID-19. We need liquidity in the market to kick start the economy and we are looking to attract foreign investment into the road transport sector," Gadkari said.
"Will generate funds via public-private partnership model and around Rs. 1 lakh crore is the budget set for the road sector," Gadkari added.
The minister also asked investors and the industry to convert the coronavirus-induced crisis into an opportunity by occupying a larger global market.
"Economy is facing a crisis due to coronavirus outbreak... We should treat it as a blessing in disguise as no one wants to deal with China. Japan's PM is facilitating industry there to do investment out of China... It is a chance to boost the Indian economy," the minister said.
He said the Indian industry should grasp this opportunity to invite those foreign companies to invest with them in India. He expressed confidence that the country and its industry will together win both the battles - the one with coronavirus, and the one with the economic slowdown.
Gadkari emphasised upon adopting good practices from European operators, which will also be economically viable for the indigenous industry in the longer run.
'Will support MSME sector'
"We have restructured 6 lakh MSMEs till March. We increased the working capital by 20%. We have obtained deferred payment for all kinds of loans and focused on ensuring proper GST returns for the sector," Gadkari who is also the MSME minister said.
Gadkari also stated that government will reduce the import, increase the export and upgrade the technology to cut the cost and generate employment.
The Minister said he is aware of the tight financial condition of the Indian market during the ongoing pandemic. But, he said, all stakeholders will have to work together to combat it.
Members of the confederation made suggestions for improving the condition of public transport which include extending interest payment exemptions, restarting public transport, extending age life limit, deferring state taxes, extending Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) benefits, extending insurance policy validity, etc.
Gadkari had earlier said that he has devised a scheme to set up the fund, and the proposal may be placed before the Cabinet for approval once the finance ministry gives its go-ahead. The setting up of a "rolling fund" where the interest cost on the payments due to MSMEs shall be borne either by the supplier or the purchasing industry.
