Generation of jobs and business continuity--clearly, these are the two objectives behind the Centre's lockdown relaxation guidelines starting April 20. In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued a list of businesses and services that can resume operations after April 20.
The Centre's decision to ease the restrictions in certain activities, especially in rural India, aims to generate jobs in the most distressed sectors in the country. The rural industries and agriculture have been the most affected in the 21-day lockdown. "These activities will create job opportunities for rural labor, including the migrant labor force. It is expected that the industrial and manufacturing sectors will see a revival with these measures, and will create job opportunities while maintaining safety protocols and social distancing," the government said announcing the decisions. However, the government has made it mandatory to wear masks in public places across the country in view of the COVID-19 situation.
In addition, certain key sectors such as the digital economy have also been covered in the new set of relaxations. The Centre mandates that permitted industries must make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings for social distancing. Key banking services have also been excluded with a view to provide enough liquidity and credit support to the industrial sectors. "States/Union Territories shall not dilute lockdown guidelines in any manner; may impose stricter measures as per local requirements," the Centre's guideline emphasised. In addition, the exemptions given from April 20 will not be applicable in COVID-19 hotspots or containment zones.
What will be allowed:
1. Transportation of goods without any distinction of essential or non-essential.
2. Services provided by self-employed electricians, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters.
3. Highway 'dhabas', truck repairing shops.
4. Call centres for government activities.
5. Farming operations, including procurement of agricultural products, agriculture marketing through notified mandis and direct and decentralized marketing, manufacture, distribution and retail of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds.
6. Marine and inland fisheries activities.
7. Animal husbandry activities, including the supply chain of milk, milk products, poultry and live-stock farming; and tea, coffee and rubber plantations.
8. Manufacturing units of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and construction of medical infrastructure.
9. Shops of farm machinery, its spare parts, supply chain, repairs, 'custom hiring centres' related to machinery.
10. Industries operating in rural areas, including food processing industries.
11. Construction of roads, irrigation projects, buildings and industrial projects in rural areas; works under MNREGA, with priority to irrigation and water conservation works; and operation of rural Common Service Centres (CSCs).
12. Manufacturing and other industrial establishments with access control have been permitted in SEZs, EoUs, industrial estates and industrial townships after implementation of SOP for social distancing.
13. Manufacture of IT hardware and of essential goods and packagings are also allowed.
14. Coal, mineral and oil production are permitted activities.
15. RBI, banks, ATMs, capital and debt markets as notified by SEBI and insurance companies will also remain functional.
16. E-commerce operations, operations of IT and IT enabled services, data and call centres for government activities, and online teaching and distance learning.
17. All health services and the social sector to remain functional.
18. Public utilities such as petrol pumps, LPG, petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets; electricity and water, post offices, and telecommunications and internet to function without any hindrance.
19. Supply chain of essential goods to operate without any hindrance. Operation of railways, airports, seaports for transport of good and cargo movement, operation of land ports for transport of essential services and movement of all trucks with two drivers and one helper.
20. Important offices of central and state governments and local bodies to remain open with required strength.
21. Operation of homes for children, mentally disabled, senior citizens, destitutes.
What won’t be allowed:
1. All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places and places of worship.
2. Cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools and bars.
3. Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel and train services.
4. Inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro and bus services.
5. Taxis, including auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws, and cab aggregators.
The MHA has said action will be taken under Section 51 to 60 of the Act and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) if any individual is found in violation of the guidelines.