Up to 15 lakh workers may be able to get back to work in the state starting April 20

The Central Home Ministry has provided guidelines for an adequate easing of restrictions in places that are not designated a coronavirus hotspot starting April 20. If followed as planned, April 20 could see up to 15 lakh labourers getting back to work across Maharashtra, thus helping to restart the economy. 

While Maharashtra is the worst affected state in the country, there are districts in the state that are designated as safe zones with no spread or cases reported. Industries and civic works in these areas will be prioritized over the Mumbai Metropolitan region which is currently reeling from a heavy influx of cases. 

Read - List Of Activities Allowed As Per Home Ministry’s Guidelines After April 20

Water Resources Department Secretary IS Chahal has mentioned that Maharashtra could allow up to 15,700 daily wage earners to get back to work, mostly at its irrigation sites across the state. There are said to be a total of 313 ongoing irrigation projects across Maharashtra and work at these locations is expected to begin on April 20. 

Agriculture Secretary Eknath Dawale mentioned that jobs under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee were stopped after the lockdown was imposed on March 24. However, he mentioned that since restrictions are being eased on workers starting April 20, it may provide employment opportunities to 2.6 lakh workers for a total of 44,598 pending works. 

“So far, the concentration was on small works, such as widening of roads and deepening of wells. Now, the NDA government is insisting on enhancing irrigation facilities and underground water tables," a senior official mentioned.

“The following relaxation in norms, biggest boost will be for the construction, small-scale industry and agriculture sector. "We expect most works to resume from April 20. We also expect an estimated five lakh people may be engaged in the agriculture sector," the official added. 

It is said that Maharashtra has a total of 12 lakh daily wage earners out of which 10 lakh are expected to get back to work on April 20. Up to 5 lakh of these workers are said to be employed by the Public Works Department or PWD.