We are witnessing an unprecedented time due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic which has created a global health crisis that has had a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and our everyday lives. Though many Governments, including in India, have declared lock down to implement social distancing as crucial preventive measure, some of the essential industries are continuing to work, with relevant approvals, for the supply of essential products and services. Other Industries have also started evaluating possibilities of resuming operations to make the most of this lifeline.

Government of India has taken an important step towards resumption of economic activity by partially lifting restrictions on manufacturing and construction, and further eased movement of goods traffic from April 20. The Government of West Bengal has also released Circular of providing e-pass for resuming industrial activity.

It is important that businesses innovate best practices to start operations in the 'New Normal' keeping in purview of the health aspects and also navigating through the challenges of the other aspects of the restrictions in place now. It is assumed that even after the lockdown is relaxed, restrictions may have to be continued. On this background, The Bengal Chamber Commerce and Industry organized an Online Workshop on "Restoration and Relaxation (of lockdown) - in the Industrial Region of Asansol and Durgapur" on 2nd May 2020.

The workshop focused on:
▪  Prevention and Precautions - Medical Views
▪  HR and IR issues
▪  Best Practices adopted in the Industry

Mr Indrajit Sen, Managing Director, International Combustion (India) Limited and Immediate Former President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered the opening remarks on Industry Perspectives.

Other speakers who graced the workshop were Prof. Dr. Rabin Chakraborty, Senior Vice Chairman - Cardiology Services & Senior Consultant Interventional, Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Medica Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. and Chairperson, Health Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry who addressed us on "Prevention and Precautions-Medical Views".

Mr. Somesh Dasgupta, Chairperson, People Management, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Group President & CCRO, India Power Corporation Limited shared his perspective on "HR and IR" issues.

Mr. S C Agarwalla, President, Federation of South Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Mr. Ajay Kumar Khaitan, Secretary, Jamuria Chamber of Commerce & Industries shared their "Insights on Industry".

Almost 70 plus participants were present throughout the session.