ISODA

ISODA Urges Maha Government to Include IT Goods and Services in Essential Services List

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In the wake of the recently announced lockdown to curb the coronavirus-led pandemic, members of the ISODA (Infotech Software Dealers Association) have requested the government to include Information Technology and Security Goods and Services in the Essential Services list.

The Maharashtra government announced a lockdown with effect from 4th April 2021 amidst the second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic. While the association has welcomed the government’s decision to impose strict measures to curb the second wave of the pandemic, it has also urged the authorities to pay heed to the fact that IT Services companies provide critical information technology solutions.

IT Service providers offer a wide range of solutions, including Datacenter Services, Cyber Security, Physical Safety & Surveillance, and Business Applications related Goods and Services to businesses across different verticals. Members of the ISODA serve government departments and organizations, corporates, public limited companies, industries, private offices, professionals, education institutes, and NGOs by offering them each of the above services. 

The ISODA committee clarified that these sectors were highly dependent on Information Technology for their day-to-day operations and would require IT Goods and Services to ensure a smooth sail during the lockdown period.

“All the private offices are to be closed with effect from 5th April 2021, and they are encouraged to work from home (WFH). To enable WFH, they will require IT Services. We would want to bring to the government’s notice that it is imperative that Information Technology, as a backbone for all the essential services, be recognized as an Essential Service,” reiterated Rajeev Patro Mamidanna, Chairman – ISODA.

ISODA and its members also requested the government to issue special passes to all the staff members of the organizations offering IT services. The association wants the government to permit the travel of IT staff, by trains and buses.

“We have been following all the norms put down by government from time to time and will continue to follow the same. Our members have been through tough times in the last lockdown. And even our customers from various verticals were affected as we could not serve them during the earlier lockdown period,” stated Mamidanna.

ISODA believes that customers Working from Home will encounter several challenges daily during the lockdown period. As a result, they will need the support and assistance of ISODA members at their data centers. This is one of the key reasons why the Mumbai-based association wants the government to consider their request for including IT and Security Goods and Services in the Essential Services List.

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