The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by states and Union Territories for maintaining the supply of essential goods in order to relieve hardships faced by people during the nationwide lockdown.
In a letter written to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla mentioned that the strict restrictions relate to the movement of people and not to that of essential goods. He observed that it was important to ensure the availability of essential goods to ease the hardships faced by people during the lockdown period.
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MHA issues SOPs for maintaining supply of Essential Goods, in order to relieve hardships faced by people during #Lockdown21.
Union Home Secretary writes to all States/UTs to let e-commerce remain operational & encourage home delivery of essential goods. pic.twitter.com/V9ycEXhvWy— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 26, 2020
As per the order, all offices of the government barring for those providing essential services will remain shut. They will function with a minimum number of employees.
Hospitals and all medical establishments will be open and the transport of the people working in this field will be permitted.
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All commercial establishments and private organizations will be closed. The exemptions include print and electronic media, shops selling essential items, e-delivery of food, medical equipment, banks, petrol pumps, etc.
Legal action can be taken against a person for not following the quarantine period prescribed by local health authorities or for violating the containment measures.