The Centre has announced the upliftment of all the restrictions on inter- state and Intrastate movement of people during the unlock period. MHA ( Ministry of Home Affairs) wrote a letter to the state governments today ( August 22,2020) to remove the restrictions imposed on the movement of people and goods across states.
What the letter states?
The para 5 of the letter written by the Union Home Secretary to the State Chief Secretaries states that the unrestricted flow of people and goods will be allowed. One shall not be liable to any separate permission/pass for such movement even for border trade with neighbouring countries.
Reasons for upliftment
In spite of the guidelines issued by the government, some states were found disobeying the orders. Due to such constraints, economic activity and employment faced a low ebb.
According to the letter, not following the Centre’s order shall be considered as a violation of rules under Disaster of Management Act, 2005. Therefore, the states should strictly adhere to the guidelines. MHA had earlier released new guidelines under the Unlock 3.0 measures which came into force from August 1.
As per the instructions, Yoga and Gymnasiums were allowed to reopen from August 5 pertaining to the SOP issued by the government. However, Educational Institutions, Cinema Halls and Trains shall remain closed until further notice.
According to the recent information, educational institutions might be given permission to open after 31st August. Considering the current situation, the government has not announced anything as of yet.
To cease the spread of the virus, the government had imposed a strict lockdown from March 25 which further extended till the end of May. The unlock process has started since June 1, giving permission to the reopening of factories and offices in the country.