Addressing the nation during his speech on April 14, 2020, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India declared the extension of nationwide lockdown until May 03, 2020, in the view of containing the spreading virus. Assuring that the necessary activities will resume from April 20, 2020, in areas which are not tagged as containment zones by States, UTs or District Administration, revised guidelines have been released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to further offer relief to farmers, daily-wage workers and labourers. To further slow down the spread of COVID-19, the guidelines are made keeping in mind the gains witnessed during the first phase of lockdown.
- Movement of all trucks and other goods or carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper will be allowed
- An empty truck will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods or for pick up of goods
- Shops for truck repairs or dhabas for truck drivers practising safety measures will be open
- Transportation of goods will be permitted without any distinction of essential and non-essential
- Vehicles used by e-commerce operators will be allowed with necessary permissions
- Industrial and commercial activities in sectors like auto-industry among others will remain closed
- Buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cabs will not ply
- Supply chain firms serving hospitals and hospital support services including ambulances will remain functional
- Cold supply chain, transport and supply chain for milk and milk products will be operational
- Operations of oil and gas segment including refining, transportation, distribution, storage and retails of petrol, diesel, CNG, LNG will be carried out
- Private vehicles for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care and procuring essential commodities permitted. (Terms and conditions apply)
For taking the necessary healthcare measures and maintain hygiene, penalties will be imposed against those who avoid the use of masks at the place or in public places and spit in public places. In areas which are termed as red zones due to the number of positives or the ones witnessing a rising number of cases, only movement for essential services will be allowed with strict checking and perimeter controls. Procurement of agricultural products, milk and dairy products, poultry and livestock farming is allowed to be functional. It is also expected that the industrial and manufacturing sector will resume few services keeping in mind the safety measures. The supply chain of essential goods will operate without any hindrances. Explaining the industry body ACMA’s position on resuming operations in the auto component sector, Deepak Jain, President ACMA remarked, “These guidelines are indeed very comprehensive and detailed. ACMA stands firmly by the government in this hour of crisis.” Raising concerns over the revenues in the auto component industry, he mentioned that there are few enterprises which are staring at insolvency. He further added, “We urge the government for urgently infusing financial stimulus, based on our recommendations, to ensure that the industry has safe and sustainable operations post the lockdown.” These consolidated new guidelines will ensure the operations of economic sectors crucial from the point of rural and agricultural development and for job creation. Other additional activities permitted in these guidelines will be implemented in phased manner, after making the necessary arrangements. These will be effective from April 20, 2020.
