Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba says no plans to extend lockdown period
I’m surprised to see such reports, there is no such plan of extending the lockdown," Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba said on reports that the lockdown could be extended.
New Delhi: The Centre’s disaster management and relief guidelines have been effectively implemented by and large across the country, the home ministry has said. Home secretary Ajay Bhalla held reviews with chief secretaries and other central ministries on Monday, six days after the lockdown to monitor compliance of guidelines.
In a related development, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba denied reports that the lockdown would be extended beyond 21
days. He said such reports were baseless.
The review found that there was supply of essential goods and services and lockdown measures were strictly enforced. The railways informed that they have ferried 71,261 wagons of freight containing grain, sugar, salt, edible oil, coal and petroleum products in last two days.
“The situation is being monitored round the clock and necessary measures are being taken,” said an official who was part of the deliberations. The Department of Commerce informed that they have provided relaxations on compliance to be met by units, developers, co-developers of Special Economic Zones. A review to ensure operation of cargo flights with aviation ministry was undertaken to ensure supply of medicines to different parts of the country.
Joint secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said that on Sunday, the home secretary had asked states and Union Territories and district magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure food & shelter for stranded workers and full wages from employers. They were also directed to ensure that landlords don’t ask for rent from labourers.”
On reports of members of Tableegi Jamat testing positive for Covid-19 in Nizamuddin area of Delhi, Srivastava said, the ministry is not aware about the specific case but as per the orders issued by the Union home secretary on March 24, “no religious congregation is allowed.” According to MHA orders on restrictions — all places of worship are closed for publicwhile no social/political/sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions/ gatherings will be permitted.
