Coronavirus Lockdown | 'No movement of stranded labourers allowed between states, UTs': Govt

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In wake of the spiking coronavirus cases in India, the central government on Sunday issued a standard operating system for the movement of stranded labourers within the state and union territories (UTs), saying that "no inter-state movement will allowed for stranded labourers".

The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, said that the stranded labourers will be allowed to go to their respective places of work within a state with certain conditions.

In its order, the Home Ministry said that due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, workers employed in industry, agriculture, construction and other sectors have moved from their respective places of work and are housed in relief and shelter camps being run by state and UTs governments.

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Since additional activities, outside the containment zones, have been permitted in the consolidated revised guidelines with effect from April 20, these workers could be engaged in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works, the government said in its order.

"The migrant labourers currently residing in relief and shelter camps in states and UTs should be registered with the concerned local authority and their skill mapping be carried out to find out their suitability for various kinds of works," it said.

The SoP said in the event that a group of migrants wish to return to their places of work within the state where they are presently located, they would be screened and those who are asymptomatic would be transported to their respective places of work.

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During the journey by bus, it would be ensured that safe social-distancing norms are followed and the buses used for transport are sanitized as per the guidelines of the health authorities, the SoP said.

The local authorities shall also provide for food and water etc., for the duration of their journey, it added.

To control the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the government had announced a 21-day lockdown on March 24. However, it extended the lockdown till May 3 and said that some activities will open up from April 20 in identified areas.

(With PTI Inputs)