Capt Amarinder urges PM to allow Punjab PPE manufacturers to export surplus
With 128 Punjab manufacturers approved for production of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has
Chandigarh: With 128 Punjab manufacturers approved for production of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking permission to export the surplus.
The Chief Minister said these manufacturers had risen to the occasion in the wake of the Covid outbreak to make Punjab self-reliant in the manufacture of this critical equipment needed by frontline warriors in the fight against the pandemic.
Citing the surplus capacity of production and quality of products manufactured by these units, which started production after obtaining certification from SITRA/DRDO, Captain Amarinder said it appeared that there was not enough domestic demand of PPE at present.
These manufacturers are finding it difficult to obtain orders from HLL, he pointed out, adding that of the 128 approved manufacturers, only 18 units have received orders from the Government of India.
The Minister has also made a request to the Union Commerce & Industries Minister, vide DO dated 20/05/2020, requesting for allowing export of surplus PPE body coveralls from the country, he further noted.
Notably, the 128 approved manufacturers have a cumulative current capacity to manufacture 5,21,050 PPE coveralls every day.
Besides, with the manufacturers possessing significant ability to further scale up the total capacity, the potential for exports is massive, according to Additional Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan, who pointed out that permission to export would not only help revive the state’s industry but also support the global battle against the Covid pandemic.