CENTRE DIRECTS STATES TO ENFORCE STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCKDOWN

Bureau,Odishabarta

DELHI:In view of the movement of migrant workers in some parts of the country, the Centre directed the States to enforce strict implementation of lockdown.

The Cabinet Secretary and MHA are in constant touch with State Chief Secretaries and DGPs. Besides, Video Conferences were held by Cabinet Secretary & Home Secretary yesterday evening and today morning with Chief Secretaries & DGPs in this regard.

It was learned that there has been effective implementation of guidelines across all states and UTs and essential supplies have also been maintained. Meanwhile, the situation is being monitored round the clock and the necessary measures are being taken as required.

However, due to the movement of migrant workers in some parts of the country, directions have been issued that district and state borders should be effectively sealed.

States have been directed to ensure there is no movement of people across cities or on highways. Only the movement of goods should be allowed. Moreover, DMs and SPs should be made personally responsible for the implementation of these directions which have been issued under the DM Act.

It has been advised that adequate arrangements for food and shelter of poor and needy people including migrant laborers be made at the place of their 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 wages to labourers at their place of work during the period of lockdown without any cut. House Rent should not be demanded from the labourers for this period. Action should be taken against those who are asking labourers or students to vacate the premises.

Those who have violated the lockdown and travelled during the period of lockdown will be subject to a minimum 14 days of quarantine in government quarantine facilities. Detailed instructions on the monitoring of such persons during quarantine have been issued to States.

It was impressed upon all the States that three weeks of strict enforcement is essential to containing spread of coronavirus. This is in the interest of everyone.

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