New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today said that it has received several reports of violations of guidelines across the country while sending another warning to states for stricter implementation of the lockdown orders.
The Ministry has directed local authorities across the country to take all necessary steps to enforce the measures to combat the pandemic.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla today issued a letter to all State Chief Secretaries, regarding proper implementation of MHA guidelines.
“It has been brought to the notice of this Ministry, through Media reports and other sources, that there are violations, at various places, in the implementation of MHA guidelines. I would like to emphasise that the MHA Guidelines should be strictly implemented, and all state authorities in States/UTs should take necessary steps to ensure the same,” the Home Secretary wrote.
In his communication to States, Ajay Bhalla also asked States and UTs to ensure the prohibition of all non-essential activities between 7pm and 7am. He said the night curfew imposed to contain the coronavirus spread is an “important element of the Home Ministry guidelines”.
The letter further read: “Proper delineation of containment zones and effective implementation of containment measures within these zones, is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19. In this respect, the guidelines issues by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) need to be followed, and containment zones properly demarcated.”
India is currently under its fourth phase of lockdown till May 31, to contain the spread of coronavirus through social distancing. The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days. It has been extended thrice since then.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has crossed the 1 lakh mark, with 1,12,359 confirmed cases so far. The death toll has climbed to 3,435 while active cases now stand at 63,624.
