COVID-19 impact on Assam: Four agencies submit prelim survey reports

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Four agencies that were entrusted with the job of conducting survey on the would-be socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on Assam have submitted their preliminary reports. The four agencies were given the responsibility for the surveys by SITA (State Innovation & Transformation Aayog).

SITA CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Nitin Khade is coordinating with senior officials of the government, experts and professionals in the respective fields of study to assess the socio-economic impact from the current global health crisis. All these studies were taken up during the lockdown period in April 2020 and all the processes relating to data sharing, correspondence, direction and decision-making etc., were initiated through IT-enabled platforms.

Assessment of the economic and social impact: Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) was entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the Strategy Report within a specific timeframe. The outcome of the report should serve the State government in chalking out its action plan at micro and macro level to meet the challenges facing the State.

Considering the importance of agriculture, its allied activities like veterinary, dairy, fishery sectors in the State's economy, a sector-specific strategy paper is also under preparation by KPMG, an international consultancy services organization with the help and support from all related government departments and agencies.

On the impact on Tea Industry, Ernst & Young (EY) is working on a strategy paper for the State government. EY is another multinational organization

Assam Chambers of Commerce is to discuss the issues with other related organizations – FICCI, FINER, CII, ICC etc – and in consultation/dialogue with government departments/agencies to work out a strategy for the State to come up with some action-oriented programmes.

According officials of SITA, on May 6 SITA is going to hold the meeting of its advisory committee to discuss the four reports and finalize them. All the four final reports will be submitted to the Chief Minister.

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