NewsGate Press Network

The Central Government issued strict orders on Sunday afternoon i.e. on 29-March-2020 to all state governments to seal their borders in an desperate attempt to stop mass exodus of migrants workers moving from cities back to villages.

In wake of 21-day nation-wide lockdown amid CoronaVirus outbreak sudden movement of thousands of migrant workers caught everyone off-guard.

A massive unscheduled exodus of migrant workers started off from cities towards small towns and villages defeating the entire purpose of nationwide lockdown to fight CoronaVirus crisis.

Districts Magistrates (DMs) and police officials were directed to seal all border points to prevent this exodus.

Thousands who reached their home towns and villages were swiftly quarantined into the nearest available health center to prevent spread of any traces of COVID9 virus.

The Cabinet secretary and the MHA are in constant touch with the State Chief Secretaries and the DGPs to make sure the lockdown is followed strictly.

The Centre said that the states have to to ensure timely payment of wages to labourers at their place of work during period of lockdown without any cut.

“House rent should not be demanded for this period. Action should be taken against those who are asking labourers or students to vacate the premises.” it said.

The Centre also said that adequate arrangements for food and shelter of poor and needy people including migrant laborers be made at the place of their work. Centre issued orders for use of SDRF funds for this purpose.

  • Three weeks (21 days) of strict enforcement is essential to contain spread of coronavirus in the interest of everyone. Detailed instructions on monitoring of such persons during quarantine issued to States.
  • Those who have violated the lockdown and traveled during the period of lockdown will be subject to minimum 14 days of quarantine in government quarantine facilities.
  • States have been also told to ensure timely payment of wages to labourers at their place of work during the period of lockdown without any cut.
  • House Rent should not be demanded from the labourers for this period. Action should be taken against those who are asking labourers or students to vacate the premises.
  • It has been advised that adequate arrangements for food and shelter of poor and needy people including migrant laborers be made at the place of their work. Centre had yesterday issued orders for use of SDRF funds for this purpose.
  • Directions were issued that district and state borders should be effectively sealed.
  • States were directed to ensure there is no movement of people across cities or on highways. Only movement of goods should be allowed.
  • Situation is being monitored round the clock and necessary measures are being taken as required