MHA issues fresh lockdown guidelines, inter-state movement of goods and others exempted

In an important development on Wednesday, Ministry of Home Affairs issued an Addendum to nationwide lockdown guidelines. Basically, it specifies more categories of essential services exempted during period of 21-day lockdown. This includes IT vendor for banking operations, coal and mineral production, manufacturing units of packaging material for food items, medical devices, inter-state movement of goods for imports and exports and cross land border movement of essential items such as LPG, medical supplies and food products.

Moreover, Reserve Bank of India, RBI regulated financial markets and entities such as NCPI, CCI etc. will function with bare minimum staff. Additionally, personnel required to operate and maintain zoo, nursery, wildlife and related activities have been exempted from lockdown regulations. It was clarified that Railways, Airports and Seaports shall be operational for cargo movement, relief and evacuation. 

Read: PM Modi Busts Myths Around Coronavirus, Appeals People To Take Disease Seriously

Read Addendum to lockdown guidelines here:

Read: Arvind Kejriwal Anunces E-Pass For Those Providing Essential Services Amid Lockdown

Guidelines for lockdown

On Tuesday, MHA issued an order detailing guidelines for nationwide lockdown. As per order, all offices of government barring for those providing essential services will remain shut. y will function with minimum number of employees. Hospitals and all medical establishments will be open and transport of people working in this field will be permitted. All commercial establishments and private organizations will be closed. exemptions include print and electronic media, shops selling essential items, e-delivery of food, medical equipment, banks, petrol pumps etc. suspension of transport and hospitality services shall continue. 

Moreover, legal action can be taken against a person who does t follow quarantine period prescribed by local health authorities. Incident Commanders appointed by District Magistrates will be responsible for overall implementation of se measures in ir jurisdictions. An individual violating containment measures can be proceeded against under Section 51 to 60 of Disaster Manment Act and Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

Read: Chidambaram Suggests '10-point Plan' To Centre To Help India's Poor Amid 21-day Lockdown

Read: Chef Floyd Cardoz Dies Of Coronavirus; Sonam Kapoor, Athiya Shetty Express Grief