Movement of stranded migrant labourers within State allowed, but e-com firms can’t sell non-essential goods
After a week-long “strict enforcement” of the lockdown post-April 14, the Government is set to relax activities in some sectors on Monday though no relaxation would be given in the containment zones and e-commerce companies will not be allowed to sell non-essential commodities.
A day ahead of the reopening of the agriculture, industry and construction sectors in “Green Zones” (non-hotspot zones), the Home Ministry on Sunday paved the way for migrant workers and labourers to return to their place of work in cities, given they do not show any symptoms of coronavirus.
Though migrants will be allowed to return to their places of work in cities, which are non-containment zones, State borders will remain closed for any movement. The Government’s decision comes in the wake of thousands of workers being stranded across the country, along State border lines, since the national lockdown was imposed on March 25.
The Government had first imposed a nationwide lockdown for 21 days till April 14, and then extended it to May 3 in the wake of rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
The Home Ministry’s decision to reverse its decision on sale of non-essential items through e-commerce platform is a U-turn on its April 15 circular. “In this regard I would like to clarify that while operations of e-commerce for non-essential goods stand prohibited, they will continue to operate for essential goods as has been allowed earlier and continue to be allowed under clause 13(i) of these guidelines,” said Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in a letter to all States, changing provisions on Clause 14(v) which allowed transport of vehicles related to e-commerce.
The Clause 14(v) gave permission to all vehicles transporting of e-commerce goods, while Clause 13(i) gave only sale of essential commodities. This loophole in the April 15 MHA guidelines may be misused by e-commerce companies, alleged trade bodies. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) petitioned to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for banning the sale of non-essential commodities by e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart.
They alleged that e-commerce giants are manipulating the guidelines and got clearance from Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan Governments.
“On behalf of the seven crore traders of India, the Confederation of All India Traders today lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the most pragmatic decision of prohibiting e-commerce companies to deliver non-essentials amid lockdown period.
The CAIT has written a letter thanking the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for valuing the sentiments of Indian traders and protecting their business interests. Notably, since the day of notification, the CAIT was up in arms against the notification and even sought the intervention of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah besides calling upon Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal,” said CAIT leaders BC Bhartia and Praveen Khandelwal.
When the country reopens in selected zones, exceptions would be made in the areas including healthcare, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, tea and rubber plantations. The Government has also exempted projects and activities related to co-operative credit societies, non-banking financial institutions, water supply, electricity and communication in rural areas.
Apart from this, the Government has said that bamboo, coconut, betel nut, cocoa, spices cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, fruit and vegetable carts, shops selling sanitary items, grocery , ration shops, dairy and milk booths, poultry, shops selling meats, fish and fodder, electricians, IT repairs, plumbers and activities of motor mechanics will also be allowed to open up activities with strict regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while extending April 14 lockdown to May 3 had cautioned that areas which do not show compliance with guidelines would find relaxations withdrawn immediately.
Activities will also be increased on highways from Monday. Rs DhabasRs will also open on the highway for truckers with some restrictions.
Besides, construction work on roads, irrigation, building, renewable energy and all kinds of industrial projects outside the city will also start from April 20.
The Delhi Government has announced that it would not give any relaxation and review situation on April 27.
The Kerala Government will implement the odd and even scheme in the State from April 20 to allow movement of traffic. “Odd and even scheme will be implemented in the State from April 20. By implementing the scheme, we can reduce the number of vehicles on the road by 40 per cent. Three persons can travel in a car, including the driver. Relaxation will be given to women-driven vehicles and Government vehicles,” according to the State police.
The Karnataka Government will have partial relaxation measures across the State, excluding the coronavirus-hit hotspots to restore normal life gradually. The partial relaxation will allow two-wheelers and cars with passes given so far to ply on the roads. Construction activities will also be allowed across the State except in hotspots with the condition that workers will have to stay at the site with all facilities, including food, water and shelter. However, ban order under Section 144 of the CrPC will remain in place till May 3 and wearing of mask will be mandatory.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that limited financial activities will begin in the State from April 20. Addressing the media via video-conference, Thackeray said, “tomorrow onwards we’re starting some financial activities. As we don’t run our economy now, we’ll be in financial crisis after we come out of corona crisis. We’re starting some business activities in a limited way.