PM Modi appeals “Don’t sack employees amid lockdown”

April 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 14) extended the lockdown to May 3, 2020, to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus. He also asked companies not to lay off their employees amid the extended lockdown. He said, “All businesses are urged to take care of their employees and not to sack them in this crisis.”

The Prime Minister’s appeal comes at a time when several industries in the country have been hit hard after having to suspend operations due to the lockdown. Several industries have warned of massive job losses in the absence of relief from the government. Several startups have started laying off employees. The Prime Minister categorically said, “When it comes to your business and your industry, be sensitive (have sympathy) towards the people who work with you and do not remove anyone from work.”

“All districts, localities, states will be closely monitored till April and it will be seen how strictly norms are being implemented. The states that do not let the number of hotspots increase, the states that pass the ‘Agni Pariksha,’ there may be some relaxation, with certain conditions. If lockdown norms are violated, however, then all permissions will be withdrawn. The government will issue detailed guidelines by Wednesday,” the PM said.