This story is from June 29, 2020

‘It’s time industrialists get used to the new normal’

‘It’s time industrialists get used to the new normal’
Q&A — Suresh Rathi
Nagpur: Suresh Rathi, who runs a polymer unit at MIDC’s Hingna estate, has taken over as president of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) for the second term at a time when the factories too are hit by the pandemic. As business limps back to normalcy, Rathi tells TOI that strict compliance to rules and quick adaptation to new normal will lead to survival.
Excerpts from the interview...

What is your agenda for industries under the current scenario?
Instead of survival of the fittest, the slogan these days is survival of the quickest. The units that fast adapt to changes will be able to go on. It’s time that industrialists change the perspective and get used to the new normal. Apart from webinars, the VIA is also stressing on virtual exhibitions. The products manufactured by the units have to be changed according to the needs of the situation. We are planning to hold a meet of leaders from different sectors of industries to explore the new opportunities for our region.

What has been the impact of corona on your industry? How much do you depend on China?
Our industry is facing a different issue rather. There is much concern about use of polymers or plastic products. However, it must be understood that this is the cheapest material available. Methods of better waste management should be found instead. There is hardly any dependence on China, but on the overall scene China is a challenge indeed.
Recently, a factory had to be sealed after its workers tested Covid positive. Are industries not strictly following the SOPs to prevent infection?
I think the industries are strictly following the norms. However, as an association VIA is giving a message to its members that if they want to avoid a shutdown then the norms have to be strictly followed. The government has allowed operations at a scaled down level after much persuasion. If further cases of infection are detected due to our negligence then there are all the chances that the authorities may enforce a shutdown again. The association is constantly working with the district administration in ensuring compliance of norms. We are open for surprise checks by the inspectors to see that the Covid prevention norms are being followed.
What has been the impact of labour exodus on the units?
The workers have gone but now I understand that their rest period is ending. Migrant workers may need money for subsistence for which they will have to come back for work. Of course, the exodus during the lockdown has affected the operations.
When do you thing normalcy will be back.
Currently, the industries are operating at 60% to 70% of their capacity. It depends on the demand. I think things will be back to pre-Covid level by March 2021.
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