Kathmandu, May 21: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta said that his ministry was in communication with other concerned ministries to find practical ways to run the industries, save jobs and engage youth returning from foreign employment.
The ministry is in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to offer support to the private sector to resume businesses and industries, he said.
He made the comment at a webinar on ‘Industry and Labour’ organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) with an aim of finding possible solution to respond to, rescue, restart and reinforce the economy.
“We are discussing the possible modality for the solution. We consider the private sector entrepreneurs as a part of the ministry and are working together to find solutions through dialogue. The ministry level policy and programmes also focus on saving businesses as well as saving creating jobs,” he said.
According to Minister Bhatta, the ministry will soon discuss with the private sector organisations like the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Chamber of Commerce and CNI to resolve the current challenges they are facing in resuming the operation of industry.
However, he criticised some business associations for their motive to use the pandemic as an opportunity to expand their membership base for their own benefits and urged for fairer dealings between the government and the private sector.
“We are strongly advocating for the policy to promote the use of Nepali raw materials and industries that use locally available materials,” he said while adding that a proper supply chain should be in place to send Nepali vegetables and fruits to the market.
Vegetables arrive from Maharastra but Nepali farmers are unable to supply the domestically produced vegetables and fruits.
Chief Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Rimal, said that PM KP Sharma Oli was going to address the nation soon, and in his speech he would address the demands of the private sector as well.
He suggested a humanitarian approach while making any decision about the wages or salary of the workers.
Immediate Past President of CNI Hari Bhakta Sharma said that the private sector was looking up to the government for its support and guidance in the process to revive the business and support people in their livelihood during the crisis.
“Although the government allowed various types of industries to open but the bureaucratic processes at three layers of government had discouraged them. They lack liquidity, pass to make movements and human resources to run the factories,” he said.
He maintained that if the industries paid salary to the workers who did not go for the work, it would discourage those who were working at the time of the crisis.
“This is a tricky question which demands immediate attention of both the business orgaisations and the government,” he said. President of CNI Satish Kumar More appealed to run the industries and businesses cautiously and safely in cooperation among the private sector, government and the public.
If a worker gets coronavirus infection, the entrepreneur must not be punished as it’s been proposed earlier, the industries will report the case and apply the utmost safety measures, he said.
He also demanded for the facility to keep workers in reserve for at least six months. Many counties have suspended the labour acts citing the special situation due to the pandemic, he said.
He also demanded for the facility to keep workers in reserve for at least six months. Many counties have suspended the labour acts citing the special situation due to the pandemic, he said.
Country Director of the International Labour Organisation in Nepal Dr Richard Howard said that social dialogue should be given priority as it takes a back seat during challenging times.
He said that the ILO would support in economic restructuring and enterprise and income.
Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Binod KC said that the government had devised a strategy to dole out relief in the form of employment through the Prime Minister Employment Programme.
“Most of the businesspersons are scared due to the uncertainty, for a couple of months is not an issue, as I understood from the dialogue with the industry leaders,” he said.
He stated that industries must run, only then the workers and the government will be benefitted and pledged that no businessmen would be punished or jailed due to the crisis created by the coronavirus.
Former Secretary Krishna Gyawali said that the government must not linger about offering solution to business rehabilitation and the private sector should also be innovative to apply measures to address the situation.
Published in The Rinsing Nepal daily on 22 May 2020.
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