Following the Prime Ministerโs address to the nation announcing the extension of the lockdown till 03.05.2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs has released revised guidelines. These guidelines include a list of activities permitted with effect from 20.04.2020. The list of permitted activities is as follows:
- All health services including AYUSH
- Agricultural and related activities such as APMC operated โmandisโ, horticulture, fisheries, plantations (tea, coffee and rubber with a maximum of 50% workers), animal husbandry, etc.
- RBI, bank branches and ATMs, SEBI, IRDAI and insurance companies.
- Operation of homes for children, disabled, senior citizens, mentally challenged, observation homes, anganwadis, etc.
- Disbursement of social security pensions, provident fund services by EPFO
- MNREGA Works
- Public utilities such as oil and gas sector, postal services, power sector, water, sanitation, telecommunication and internet, etc.
- Movement of loading/unloading of cargo. All goods traffic will be allowed to ply.
- Shops for trucks, dhabas in highways with stipulated minimum distances.
- Movement of all trucks and other goods/carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper allowed. Empty truck/vehicle will be allowed after the delivery of goods or for pick up.
- Operation of land ports for essential goods and supplies.
- Supply of essential goods
- Shops and carts dealing with food and groceries, hygiene items, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, poultry, milk and fish, animal feed and fodder.
- Commercial and private establishments as listed including e-commerce, courier services, private security services, IT and It enabled services with 50% strength, data and call centres for government activities, print and electronic media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services.
- Services by self-employed persons such as electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters.
- Industrial establishments as listed
- Construction activities as listed
- Offices of government, government autonomous bodies and local bodies.
Additional Directives
Further, the guidelines allow the movement of private vehicles for emergency/ medical purposes and for procuring essential commodities. No additional person is allowed in case of two-wheelers. In the case of four-wheelers, one person in addition to the driver is allowed in the backseat. Additionally, wearing of masks and observation of social distancing norms is compulsory. Also, Standard Operating Procedure is also prescribed for offices and factories. The ministry has directed for the implementation to be done in a phased manner.
