[COVID-19]: Clarification In Relation To Essential Goods And Services Guidelines By Home Secretary; Newspaper Delivery Allowed [Read Letter]

After the announcement made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi ordering the National lockdown for a period of 21 days, day to day working has  reached to a standstill for some days. Due to this restriction and implementation of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, immense power to the local body to maintain law and order in the society is given. 

In a fresh letter to states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla clarified that all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential, were allowed as per the first addendum issued to the guidelines of March 24.

The Centre on Sunday (March 29, 2020) clarified to states that the newspaper delivery chain is also allowed under print media in the list of essential items permitted to function in the 21-day lockdown period.

Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to chief secretaries of states and Union Territories on Sunday listing delivery of newspapers among the list of essential items during the restrictions.

With the issue of first addendum, newspaper delivery supply chain under print media, transportation of all goods without distinction of essential and non-essential, pension under exemptions to clause 2(g), includes pension and provident fund services provided by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the order stated.

This approach was taken by the Government to restrain the spread of Virus in the country and clarification was made in this letter to the guidelines related to Essential Goods and Services. 

1. Transportation of all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential, have been allowed;
2. 'Pension' under exemptions to clause 2(g) include pension and provident fund services provided by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO);
3. Services of Indian Red Cross Society are also included under clause 3;
4. Groceries include hygiene products such as hand washes, soaps, disinfectants, body wash, shampoos, surface cleaners, detergents and tissue papers, toothpaste / oral care, sanitary pads and diapers, battery cells, chargers etc.
5. The entire supply chain of milk collection and distribution, including its packaging material, is allowed;
6. Newspaper delivery supply chain is also allowed under print media.

[Read Letter]

Author: Asif Iqbal