Lockdown 4.0: MHA asks states, UTs to ensure strict adherence to guidelines

NEW DELHI: The home ministry has asked all states and Union territories to ensure scrupulous adherence to Lockdown 4.0 guidelines, whether outlined by the home ministry or laid down by the states and Union territory governments themselves, at all levels. This includes strict enforcement of night curfew between 7 pm and 7 am, when movement of persons for non-essentials activities is strictly prohibited, and taking penal action if there are any violations.
In a letter sent to all state chief secretaries and UT administrators on Thursday, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said it has been brought to the notice of the home ministry from sources including media reports that MHA guidelines are being violated at various places.
Seeking strict enforcement of the guidelines by the state governments and local administration, the Home Secretary reminded the chief secretaries/administrators of the need to properly delineate containment zones as per guidelines issued by the health ministry and effectively implement containment measures there.
”States and UTs can now delineate various zones, and decide on the activities to be prohibited, or allowed with restrictions, in accordance with the MHA guidelines. Further, once the guidelines have been issued by the States and UTs, they should be strictly implemented, and action taken if any deviations are noticed,” stated Bhalla.
Focusing on the need to ensure night curfew, the Home Secretary underlined that night curfew had been mandated with a view to ensuring that people observe social distancing, and to contain the risk of spread of infection.
“Accordingly, local authorities should be asked to issue orders in the entirety of their jurisdiction, under proper provisions of law, for imposition of night curfew. Strict compliance of these orders should be ensured,” said the home ministry.
Also seeking adherence to National Directives for Covid- 19 Management, the home ministry reiterated the need for wearing face covers and ensuring social distancing at work, transport and in public places. “It is the duty of all district and local authorities to enforce the National Directives,” wrote Bhalla.