Essential, Non-Essential Goods’ Transport Allowed in Lockdown: MHA

The Home Secretary made it clear that the newspaper delivery supply chain was allowed under lockdown exemptions.

Image of migrant daily wage laborers make the journey to their respective villages on foot following a lockdown amid concern over spread of coronavirus in New Delhi. Image used for representational purposes only. 

(Photo: AP)

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Sunday, 29 March, asked all states and Union territories to allow transportation of all goods, without distinguishing between essential and non-essential, during the lockdown period.

The Home Secretary made it clear that the newspaper delivery supply chain was also allowed under exemptions given for print media.

In a letter to chief secretaries of the states and the Union territories, Bhalla said the entire supply chain of milk collection and distribution, including its packing materials, has also been allowed during the lockdown period.

Groceries, including hygiene products such as hand wash, soaps, disinfectants, oral care items, battery cells and chargers, are also allowed, he said.

The Home Secretary included the services of the Indian Red Cross Society under the Establishment of National Disaster Management Authority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a nationwide lockdown on 24 March for 21 days in order to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus that has afflicted global populations.