‘No restrictions on inter-state movement’: MHA
NEW DELHI : As part of the Centre’s Unlock 3.0 guidelines, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) on Saturday notified all the states and union territories to not impose any restrictions on the inter-state or intra-state movement of people and goods.
The official notification explained that such restrictions are proving to be a disruption in economic activities and employment. In the notification issued to the governments of all states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated, “It has, however, been reported that local level restrictions on movement are being imposed by various districts/states.”
“Such restrictions are creating problems in inter-State movement of goods and services and are impacting the supply chain, resulting in disruption of economic activities and employment, besides affecting the supply of goods and services,” read the letter.
The letter also iterated that such restrictions amount to a violation of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The Secretary the added, “I would, therefore, request that no restrictions may be imposed on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods and services and instructions issued to ensure that MHA guidelines mentioned above are strictly followed.”
Ajay Bhalla also mentioned that no special pass, permission or approval will be required for such movement relating to cross land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.
Under the new guidelines, Yoga institutes and gymnasiums were allowed to open from August 5 as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure social distancing. Educational institutes, cinema halls and metro trains will, however, remain closed, it said.
With states and union territories expressing reservations about opening educational institutes, the guidelines issued by the MHA said schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31.
Several states had been hesitant to open schools with many indicating that they could think of allowing institutions to function only in September
