Don't restrict inter-state travel during Unlock phase: Govt to states

States have been asked to ensure that there are no restrictions on the inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods during the ongoing unlocking process. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has communicated this to all states and union territories.

In the letter to the chief secretaries of all the states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there were reports that local level restrictions on movement were being imposed by various districts and states.

Drawing attention to the Unlock 3 guidelines, Bhalla said that such restrictions are creating problems in inter-state movement of goods and services, and are impacting supply chains, resulting in a disruption in economic activity and employment.

The unlock guidelines clearly state that there shall be no restrictions on the inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods, he said in the letter.

The guidelines also stated that no separate permission, approval, or e-permit will be required for the movement of persons and goods for cross-land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.

The home secretary said restrictions amount to a violation of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. The letter requested that no restrictions be imposed and it should be ensured that the unlock guidelines are followed.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first announced lockdown with effect from March 25 to combat the coronavirus pandemic which was subsequently extended till May 31. Since June 1, the unlock process began with the opening up industrial activities and offices across the country.

India reported a record spike of 69,874 fresh COVID-19 infections on Saturday, taking its total figures to 29,75,71, as per the 8 AM update by the Union health ministry. The death toll, meanwhile, climbed to 55,794 with 945 fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)