Published 22:26 IST, March 26th 2020

BIG: MHA issues SOP for maintaining supply of essential goods amid nationwide lockdown

The MHA issued an SOP to be followed by states and Union Territories for maintaining the supply of essential goods during the 21-day nationwide lockdown

Reported by: Akhil Oka
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In a significant development on Thursday, Ministry of Home Affairs 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. 

Read: MHA Issues Fresh Lockdown Guidelines, Inter-state Movement Of Goods And Ors Exempted

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Read SOP here:

Details of SOP 

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.  

employees engd in supply chain can commute based on e-pass or any or certification issued by local authority. In addition, employee will have to carry a valid photo identification card. Furrmore,  facilities in supply chain must operate with bare minimum staff and carry out regular health check-up of its employees. Finally, state governments have been directed to open a 24x7 control room to register complaints.  

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Read: #StayHomeReadBooks: Netizens Turn To Books To Escape Boredom Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

Lockdown guidelines

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 a 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. Legal action can be taken against a person for t following quarantine period prescribed by local health authorities or for violating containment measures.

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Read: Maha CM Anunces essentials, Medicines To Be Available 24X7 Amid Pan-India Lockdown

Read: '21-day Lockdown Triggers Massive Interstate Migration Of Daily Wrs, Raj Govt Steps In To Help m'

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22:26 IST, March 26th 2020