Centre tells states not to put restrictions on inter-state movement of people, goods

August 22: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday asked states not to impose restrictions on movement of vehicles in the name of Covid-19 pandemic, saying such actions are impacting supply chain resulting in economic activities and employment and violate the Unlock 3.0 guidelines. In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there were reports that local level restrictions on movement were being imposed by various districts and states.

Several reports of local level restrictions on movement being imposed by various districts and states have made their way to the Centre, he has written in the letter. The letter claims such restrictions which are different in different states are leading to problems in inter-state movement of goods and are thereby impacting supply chains across the country. The home secretary said restrictions amount to violation of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya in an order on 21 August wrote, “Entry Points of the Meghalaya, located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikkrikkilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj shall remain closed from midnight of 31st August, 2020 to midnight of 7th September, 2020.” This notification of Meghalay government is in sharp contrast to the directions of the Union government.