COVID-19: Guj govt to feed migrants but won't allow movement

Gujarat government on Friday said migrant labourers would be given food and accommodation but won't be allowed to travel to ir vills during 21-day lockdown in force to combat vel coronavirus outbreak.

decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, an official said. lockdown has left several daily-wrs without jobs and y have been seen moving on foot to ir vills, in absence of public transport, to tide over resultant cash crunch.

"It has been decided that migrant labourer will be allowed to leave on foot. District ministrations have been asked to make arrangements for ir food and accommodation. A special helpline number - 1077 - has been set up for migrant workers to contact for help," Ashwini Kumar, secretary in chief minister's office told reporters here.

Vals Collector C R Kharsan said police cases will be filed against migrant workers and ir employers if y are found travelling to ir vills. "Employers or contractors who have employed migrant labourers will have to provide 21 days salary and food to m. If y fail, n migrant workers can contact 1077 helpline. But if anybody tries to travel to ir vills, n a police case will be filed against such persons and ir employers," Kharsan said.

Secretary in CMO Kumar said earlier, considering humanitarianism aspect, chief minister h allowed workers to leave by state transport and private buses, but that has been stopped and y would have to stay where y are presently.

"Government h deployed around 150 state transport and 500 private buses to take daily w workers to Rajasthan and tribal areas of Gujarat in last two days," he said. Kumar said people stranded due to lockdown can call 1070 and seek help, ding that government would make arrangements for ir food and accommodation.

He ded that biometric system in place at fair price shops will t be used during April to stall spre of coronavirus. District ministration has set up shelters for migrant labourers and y will be provided food and shelter in se shelter homes, official said, ding that shelters will be run with NGOs' help.

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