COVID-19: MHA issues advisory directing relief measures to address the woes of migrants

On Friday, Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories to take immediate steps to address problems faced by agricultural labourers, migrant workers in organized and urganized sector, outstation students and working women. state governments have been advised to explore measures to provide food, shelter and basic amenities such as clean drinking water and sanitation to vulnerable groups. Moreover, MHA has directed state governments to inform migrants about measures taken by Centre so that movement of people can be avoided. Additionally, rented accommodations, hotels, student hostels, working women hostels have been directed to remain open. At same time, state governments have been empowered to take strict action against people violating lockdown guidelines.  

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MHA issues SOP for maintaining supply of essential goods

A day earlier, MHA issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by states and Union Territories for maintaining supply of essential goods during nationwide lockdown. In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla mentioned that strict restrictions relate to movement of people and t to that of essential goods. He observed that it was important to ensure availability of essential goods to ease hardships faced by people during lockdown period. 

As per SOP,  suppliers of essential goods including restaurants adopting home delivery mode, warehouses, transporters and loaders of such goods, manufacturing units of essential goods and intra-city, inter-city and inter-state movement for this purpose will be operational. This will ensure  smooth functioning of small retail shops, large organized retail stores, and e-commerce companies. At same time, social distancing must be observed by everyone in  supply chain of essential goods.  

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