New Delhi: Following the announcement of 21-day complete lockdown made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued an advisory to all states to setup 24x7 helpline numbers and ensure unhindered movement of essential goods and services during the lockdown.
"In order to ensure that these provisions are seamlessly available at ground level it would be necessary for each state/UT to set up or 24x7 control room/office with helplines (at straight district level) to address any grievance or undue problems faced by the providers of goods/ services including during inter-state movement" the MHA said in its advisory to Chief Secretaries and police chiefs of all states and UTs.
MHA advisory further added, " It may also be necessary to lay down Standard Operating Protocol for unhindered operation of aforesaid essential services/ establishment and commodities including appointment of nodal officers at inter state borders, issue of vehicular passes/e-passes etc."
Meanwhile, Delhi government stated that a 24x7 control room is being set up at the office of Divisional Commissioner, GNCTD and also at all the offices of District Magistrate of GNCTD. An officer of the rank of ACP shall be available at all control rooms at all times to ensure proper liaison with the offices of DMs on real time basis.
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In another advisory to all states, the Union Home Ministry has asked them to check the spread of rumours about shortage of food and other essential commodities.
In a letter to all chief secretaries Advisors administrators of all states and UTs, MHA said that it was imperative for them to take all steps to publicize that all essentials like food, medical, civil supplies and other essential services will be maintained.
MHA said that in the wake of the orders issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (for lockdown), there were possibilities of rumour- mongering, including those about shortage of food and other essential services and commodities.
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