The Ministry of Home Affairs on 12th April 2020 has directed all states to implement the lockdown guidelines as issued earlier and to ensure the smooth movement of inter and intra-state cargo trucks, workers and also the functioning of warehouses and cold storages.
It has come to the notice of the Ministry that in some parts of the country, the aforesaid guidelines and clarifications are not being implemented in letter and spirit. Specifically that the trucks carrying essential and non-essential services are being detained and the workers needed for operation of manufacturing units of essential goods and other exempted categories are not given authorization passes for their movement.
The MHA reminded the states that inter-state and intra-state movement of all trucks and other goods carrier vehicles with one driver and one cleaner is allowed as long as the driver is carrying a valid driver’s licence. The Local authorities should facilitate the easy to and fro movement of workers to workplace and back, in respect of all the permitted industrial/ commercial activities. MSMEs engaged in the manufacture of essential items like wheat flour, pulses, and edible oils should be allowed to function freely, without any hindrances. Warehouses and Cold storages shall also be allowed function without interruption.
These stipulations shall apply to all areas other than those requiring containment, quarantine and surveillance measures as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The movement of persons and vehicles shall be subject to strict adherence norms of hygiene and social distancing.
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