COVID-19 lockdown: MHA issues SOP for movement of stranded labourers, bars mobility outside state/UT borders

SRINAGAR 19 APRIL (PTK):- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on Sunday, issued a Standard Operating System for the movement of stranded labourers within the state/union territory.

The order, however, barred the labourers from moving outside the states/Union Territory where they are currently located. “There shall be no movement of labour outside the state/UT from where they are currently located,” the order says.

The order that has been divided into six points talks about how the workers can now find work in industries that have been exempted from the lockdown from April 20.

It says, “The migrant labourers currently residing in relief/ shelter camps in States/ 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.”

he 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.
It may be noted that there shall be no movement of labour outside the state and UT from where they are currently located.

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 local authorities shall also provide for food and water etc., for the duration of their journey, the SOP said.

The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to combat the coronavirus endemic. While extending the lockdown till May 3, the prime minister declared that select activities will open up from April 20 in identified areas.(PTK)