MHA allows intra-state movement of asymptomatic migrant labourers after COVID-19 screening

In a partial relief to migrant labourers stranded in parts of nation, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on Sunday, has issued an order allowing migrant labourers residing in shelter homes in a particular state to resume work in same state after undergoing screening and are asymptomatic. MHA specified that such labourers can be transported to ir place of work by local authorities, but disallowed any movement of labourers outside state. It added that social distancing rms must be maintained while transporting and authorities must provide m food and water during journey.

MHA asks states to act on lockdown violations, warns 'Else COVID fight will be lost'

MHA allows intra-state movement of stranded labourers

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Lockdown violations

After PM Modi had anunced first phase of lockdown, on March 28, thousands of migrant workers were seen thronging Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border at Delhi's Anand Vihar Interstate Bus Terminal in hope of reaching ir homes, defying lockdown and creating a health hazard. Home Ministry immediately anunced shelter, food and mandatory quarantine of all migrant labourers. Moreover, all state borders were sealed.

Similarly, after PM Modi anunced extension of lockdown till May 3, on Tuesday, around 2,000 migrant workers gared at Bandra station, under illusion of boarding 'Jansdharan Express' trains to UP, Bengal and Bihar. Mumbai police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse crowds and have arrested activist Vinay Dubet and a Marathi news channel reporter for spreading fake news leading to mass lockdown violation. Maharashtra government has rolled out an ecomic pack for migrant labourers - offering Rs. 6000 to 12 lakh registered labourers, while BMC is setting up community kitchens to feed more homeless migrant labourers in Bandra.

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Coronavirus in India

As of date, 12974 active cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 2230 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported highest at 3651. 507 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. PM Modi has extended lockdown till May 3, with a relaxation possibility in n-COVID hotspots after April 20.

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