Coronavirus Lockdown: Home Ministry Directs States, UTs To Stop Mass Exodus Of Migrant Labourers

In view of a 21-day nationwide lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak, the centre on Friday issued an advisory asking all states and Union territories (UTs) to prevent a mass exodus of migrant agriculture labourers, industrial workers and unorganised sector employees from their workplaces to hometowns. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also urged all state governments and UTs to make arrangements for uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to hotels, working women hostels so that they continue to live in existing facilities.

"The home ministry has issued an advisory to States/UTs to prevent mass exodus of migrant agricultural labourers, industrial workers and unorganised sector workers, so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19," the news agency PTI quoted an official spokesperson as saying.

The spokesperson further said, “To prevent the exodus of such people, the Home Ministry advised to make these vulnerable groups aware of measures taken by the government, including the provision of free food grains and other essential items through PDS, and streamline the distribution system.”

The notification comes at least two days after MHA issued new guidelines covering additional people and services who will be exempted during the 21-day lockdown. According to the Home Ministry’s guidelines, Reserve Bank of India and RBI-regulated financial markets, pay and accounts officers and field officers of the CAG, petroleum products and supply chain and forest staff are exempted during the 21-day lockdown.

It is to be noted that amid increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India, PM Modi on Tuesday announced complete lockdown in the country for the next 21 days. After this, the Indian Railways announced the suspension of passenger trains till April 14, 2020. All international and domestic commercial flights have already been suspended till April 14, 2020.

The death count in India has reached 18 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country. According to the latest update, more than 700 cases of coronavirus has been reported in India so far.

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Importantly, the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.

(With PTI Inputs)

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