DC Karimganj issues order banning inter-district movement of people, barring emergency and essential services

May 17: In the wake of unabated inter-district movement of people containment measures have not yielded the desired results insofar as reduction in Covid-19 cases is concerned. With a view to breaking the chain of corona virus transmission ban on inter-district travel has been enforced by the Government of Assam and the district administration of Karimganj from 5 am of May 21 for a period of 15 days.

Consequent to the order by the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, Anbamuthan MP has put restrictions on the movement of people barring frontline workers engaged in COVID-19 related duties, officials and persons, both government and private involved in emergency services such as health and all related medical establishments, police, prisons, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency services, District Administration, Pay & Account Office, Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Public Transport (Air/ Railways/ Buses) including all incidental services/activities that are essential for smooth functioning of all modes of public transport ( such as handling of cargo, ticketing, air freight station, CFS, ICD etc.). Dsaster Management and related services such as IMD, CWC, Water Resources Department, PHE, NIC, NCC and Municipal services, and all other essential services on production of valid Identity card are exempted.

Movement of judicial officers, officials of courts of Assam on production of valid Identity card; pregnant women and patients for availing medical health services; persons coming from and going to airports and railway stations and ISBTs are allowed to travel on production of valid ticket.

Moreover, the order stated that movement of officials related to functioning of offices of diplomats of various countries as well as persons holding any constitutional post and press persons of electronic and print media and government servants handling media related issues are exempted. There shall be no restriction on inter-state movement of passengers and transportation of essential and non-essential goods, the order stated adding that no separate permission or e-pass will be required for such movements.

Shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits & vegetables, dairy & milk booths, meat & fish, animal fodder, pharmaceuticals, medicines and medical equipment; banks insurance offices & ATMs. telecommunications, Internet services, broadcasting and cable services, IT and IT enabled services; delivery of all essential goods including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through e-commerce; petrol pumps, LPG, CNG, petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets; power generation, transmission and distribution units and services; cold storage and warehousing services; private security services; manufacturing units of essential commodities are also exempted from its purview.

Moreover, production units or services, which require continuous process; persons who are going for COVID-19 vaccination; officials/persons entrusted with election related works either by Government authorities or by private enterprises or by the authorities of any political party or contesting candidate on production of a valid Identity card/engagement letter/appointment order/work order; movement of employees / persons involved in operations related to forestry under the Environment & Forest Department on production of valid Identity card; movement related to supply and maintenance of agricultural implements; Movement related to essential items supply from and to FCI establishments; transportation of all medical personnel, nurses, paramedical staff, other hospital support services; movement of air traffic, railway passengers and goods trains shall continue to operate.
The order exempts movement of Government / semi government officers in the rank of Deputy Secretary and above and senior executives in non-Government sector along with their key support staff for emergency and essential works; movement in connection with maintaining supply chain of medicines; movement of goods shall continue uninterrupted.

Movement related to medical, last rites, emergencies or any other movement with written permission from the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner of originating district will be allowed. The order further stated that “Other restrictions and exemptions as notified vide Orders of 4th May, 2021 for rural areas, of 12th May and 15th May, 2021 for urban and peripheral areas and clarifications issued on 13th May, 2021 shall continue to remain in force.