State Govts lift 62 lakhs tonnes of food grains from FCI during COVID-19 lockdown: MHA

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday said that State governments have lifted 62 lakhs tonnes of wheat and rice from Food Corporation of India (FCI) during COVID-19 lockdown period.

In her daily briefing, Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, MHA said, "Under PMGKY pack, State government have lifted 62 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice from FCI during lockdown. supply of essential commodities has been ensured by more than 13 lakh wagons of Railways. Through 416 lifeline Udaan,  Ministry of Civil Aviation has facilitated transportation of 781 tonnes of essential medical cargo materials in remote parts of country."

RE | India's Nationwide Lockdown Extended By 2 Weeks Post-May 4 As COVID-19 Cases Soar To 35365

Srivastava said that MHA has reiterated to all States that fresh passes are required for movement of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks.

"Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has re-iterated to all States/UTs that, as per consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures, separate passes are required for through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks, etc. For time-bound supply of ecomic activities and essential commodities, it is necessary that supply vehicles should t be stopped at interstate border," she said.

RE | COVID-19: India Sees Highest Rise Of 1993 Cases In A Day Amid Talks Of Lockdown Relaxation

MHA permits movement of stranded persons by special trains

Earlier in day, Ministry of Home Affairs allowed special trains to be operated by Ministry of Railways for movement of stranded migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, and students. This comes after several Chief Ministers h urged Home Ministry to ply special trains to facilitate movement of migrants considering long-distance and a large number of individuals stranded. Home Ministry h permitted inter-state movement of stranded persons amid lockdown on Wednesday. 

RE | Lockdown Extended: Here's A List Of Activities Permitted & Prohibited Across Three Zones

In tice issued by Home Ministry on Friday, it has stated that Ministry of Railways will designate dal officers for coordinating with states and Union Territories for movement of stranded persons. It has also informed that MoR will issue detailed guidelines for sale of tickets, and for social distancing and or measures to be observed at train stations, train platforms and within trains. 

RE | Lockdown Extended: MHA Allows Liquor & Paan Shops To Open, Issues National Directives

(with inputs from ANI)