Circular No. ES/22/2021-22 20th April, 2021
To: Members of the Council
Sub: Clarifications regarding opening office and operating manufacturing in Maharashtra during lockdown
Dear Member,
We would like to inform you that after receiving several queries from the member-exporters during the ongoing lockdown, the Council requested the Government of Maharashtra for allowing 25% of the workforce in private offices of Maharashtra and considering exports sector as essential services. In this regard, the Chairman of the Council thanks the Government of Maharashtra for allowing the Export/ Import activity of all products under Essential Category.
For detailed clarification, members may kindly make a note the following details-
1) Vide Break the Chain Order dated 13th April, 2021, the Govt. of Maharashtra (GoM) has categorised Export – Import activity of All products under Essential Category and therefore the Offices of Exporters fall under the ambit of Exemption Category.
These offices (if required) may work with minimum staff required and in no case with more that 50% of normal capacity. No visitors are allowed to such offices. However, it needs to be understood that there should be a valid reason to open the office such as fulfilment of an export order within stipulated time.
The travel by public or private transport to attend the office in above situation shall constitute valid reason for travel and is, therefore, allowed on working days between 07:00 am to 08:00 pm.
2) The Manufacturing Unit by Exporters that need to fulfil export obligation may remain operational with full capacity. However, the Manufacturing units may try to house their labourers in the campus or if they are housed outside, then to ensure that their movement in within an isolated bubble to the extent possible. For all the terms and conditions to operate a manufacturing unit, kindly refer to the Break the Chain Order dated 13th April, 2021 by GoM.
3) All Manufacturer Exporters may kindly note that subsequent to Break the Chain Order dated 13th April, 2021 by GoM, the Directorate of Industries, GoM has issued a Circular dated 14th April, 2021 stating that regarding any clarification on permissions to operate manufacturing, the units in MIDC area should contact respective RO, MIDC, and units outside MIDC should contact JDI (MMR)/GM, DIC respectively.
4) The Commissioner of Police, Mumbai has issued Order dated 17th April, 2021 prohibiting movement of any person in public using any vehicle, unless a sticker of circular shape of 6 inches diameter of red/green/yellow colour is affixed on the front and rear on a visible portion of the vehicle, for the movement of the vehicle freely during the lockdown. Accordingly, Exporters travelling to their offices in Mumbai may affix yellow sticker on their vehicle themselves on their own.
Members may kindly make a note of the above and do the needful by complying with the guidelines/directions issued in this regard.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
S. BALARAJU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
