Centre takes up worker migration with states; holds them responsible for ensuring lockdown

In a tice to all states, Centre has issued strong directives asking authorities to enforce a strict lockdown amid COVID-19 outbreak. It has also expressed its concern over migrant exodus occurring across state borders, asking states to effectively seal all borders. 

following is press release:

Government of India
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Dated : 29th March, 2020

•    Centre directs States to enforce strict implementation of lockdown.
•    Cabinet secretary and MHA are in constant touch with State Chief Secretaries and DGPs.
•    Video Conferences were held by Cabinet Secretary & Home Secretary yesterday evening and today morning with Chief Secretaries & DGPs. 
•    It was ted that, by and large, re has been effective Implementation of guidelines across all states and UTs. 
•    Essential supplies have also been maintained. 
•    Situation is being monitored round clock and necessary measures are being taken as required. 
•    However, re has been movement of migrant workers in some parts of country.
•    Directions were issued that district and state borders should be effectively sealed. 
•    States were directed to ensure re is movement of people across cities or on highways.
•    Only movement of goods should be allowed. 
•    DMs and SPs should be made personally responsible for implementation of se directions which have been issued under DM Act.
•    Adequate arrangements for food and shelter of poor and needy people including migrant labourers be made at place of ir work. 
•    Centre had yesterday issued orders for use of SDRF funds for this purpose. 
•    Sufficient funds are available with States in this head. 
•    States have been also told to ensure timely payment of ws to labourers at ir place of work during period of lockdown without any cut. House Rent should t be demanded from labourers for this period. Action should be taken against those who are asking labourers or students to vacate premises.
•    Those who have violated lockdown and traveled during period of lockdown will be subject to minimum 14 days of quarantine in government quarantine facilities. 
•    Detailed instructions on monitoring of such persons during quarantine have been issued to States. 
•    It was impressed upon all States that three weeks of strict enforcement is essential to contain spread of corona virus. This is in interest of everyone.

Read: Raveena Tandon Argues On Migrants Behalf Amid Lockdown Exodus; Seeks Government Assistance