SURAT: Union Minister of State for Shipping, Fertilisers and Chemical, Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the global pandemic has destabilised the Indian economy but that the recovery is expected within two months with the Central Government announcing slew of recent measures.

Mandaviya was speaking at a webinar that was being organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

He said, his Ministry has identified about 43 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the production linked incentive scheme. “The fermentation based raw material production will get 20% incentive, while the chemical based raw material will get 10% incentive.”

Mandaviya added, “Textile is the focus sector for the world and India, especially Surat has the capability to divert business from China, Bangladesh and other countries. We have advised the Container freight stations (CFS) for not levying penal charges arising from the delay in clearing containers owing to the lockdown restrictions.”

On being asked about the mass exodus of migrants from Gujarat and severe workforce shortage, Mandaviya said, “The exodus of migrants is obvious due to lockdown and coronavirus. I remember, former late textile minister, Kashiram Rana had gone to Odisha in special train to convince Oriya workers to return back to Surat. We will have to repeat the same to bring the workers back to Surat once things are normal.”