New Delhi, Aug 22: Reiterating Unlock 3.0 guidelines, the Centre on Saturday asked all States and Union Territories (UTs) not to restrict the movement of people and goods, as reports of such obstructions have been impacting supply chains resulting in disruption in economic activity and employment.
In a letter written to the Chief Secretaries of States and UTs on August 22 that such restrictions amount to violation of guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on July 27, under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there were reports that local level restrictions on movement were being imposed by various districts in the states.
He referred to the para 5 of the Unlock 3 guidelines which clearly says “that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods.
Drawing attention of the top authorities in the States and the UTs, the Home Secretary said such restrictions have been creating problems in inter-state movement of goods and services and “are impacting supply chains, resulting in disruption in economic activity and employment”.
The Unlock 3 guidelines also stated that no separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for movement of persons and goods for cross land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries, the Home Secretary reminded the State/UT authorities and said restrictions amount to “violation of guidelines issued by the MHA”.
The letter requested all states and UTs that no restrictions should be imposed on movement of goods and persons and the State administration needs to ensure the implementation of Unlock 3 guidelines must be followed in letter and spirit.
With an aim to combat COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first announced a complete lockdown with effect from March 25 which was subsequently extended till May 31. Since June 1, the unlock process began with the opening up of industrial activities and offices across the country and more relaxation on economic activities gradually.
