The Centre on Wednesday issued the new guidelines for the extended lockdown in which activities like agriculture, IT, e-commerce and inter-state transport will be allowed after April 20.
The lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for another 19 days till May 3.
“The revised consolidated guidelines are aimed at operating those sectors of the economy which are critical from the perspective of rural and agricultural development and job creation, while maintaining strict protocols in areas where safety is paramount to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country,” the MHA said in the revised guidelines.
Farming operations, including procurement of agricultural products and agriculture marketing through notified mandis and direct and decentralized marketing will be allowed in areas that are not COVID-19 hotspots after April 20.
Things to remain functional:
– All health services and the social sector to remain functional.
– Public utilities to function without any hindrance.
– Bank branches and ATMs, IT vendors for banking operations, banking correspondents, ATM operation and cash management agencies to remain functional.
– Animal husbandry activities will also be functional
– All agricultural & horticultural activities to remain fully functional
– MNREGA works have also been permitted from April 20.
However, all domestic and international air travel of passengers (except for security purposes), all trains, buses for public transport, metro rail services to remain prohibited.
Operation of educational and training institutions, industrial and commercial activities, hospitality services, cinema halls and shopping complexes will remain closed till May 3.
Apart from that, the use of face masks at the workplace and public places has been made mandatory. Spitting in public places shall be punishable with a fine.
The MHA has said action will be taken under Section 51 to 60 of the Act and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) if any individual is found in violation of the guidelines.