MHA warns against misuse of lockdown guidelines to harass management of commercial units

Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday issued a direction to all states and UTs that lockdown guidelines should t be misused to harass manment of any industrial establishment.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla clarified that " fresh license or statutory approval is required for resumption of permitted activities during lockdown period."

As per direction, any industrial activity that is allowed to operate during lockdown period does t require any fresh statutory approval before beginning activities. industries have to abide by standard operating procedure (SOP) on social distancing as directed by Ministry of Home Affairs.

"I would like to request to all state and UT governments that industrial field establishments and field offices may be apprised of guidelines of lockdown measures which should be followed to prevent spre of epidemic. se should t be misused to harass manment of any manufacturing or commercial establishment," letter said.

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MHA also clarified that consolidated revised guidelines laid out on April 15, include all earlier activities that were exempted from lockdown restrictions since March 24.

" fresh consolidated guidelines do t curtail se exemptions alrey provided earlier unless exempted activity falls within a containment zone. refore, separate permissions are required from authorities for industries alrey permitted to operate prior to April 15 in areas falling outside containment zones," letter said.

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Rejects false apprehensions

secretary also rejected some apprehensions that states may take legal action including imprisonment of CEO if an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Bhalla said that in such a situation, premises of factory would be sealed for three months. If any factory is found defying precautionary measures, factory may be closed down for two days and may be allowed to restart after it fully complies with guidelines.

"I would like to clarify that re is such clause in consolidated revised guidelines and refore re is basis for such misplaced apprehensions," Bhalla said in letter.

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