Union Home Secretary writes to Chief Secretaries of States not to impose restrictions on movement of people and goods

New Delhi: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to all Chief Secretaries, requesting them not to impose restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and services and to follow MHA guidelines.

The letter was written after it was found that some states have imposed restrictions at local level and were stopping such movement.

Bhalla’s letter states, “It has, however, been reported that local level restrictions on movement are being imposed by various districts/states. Such restrictions are creating problems in inter-State movement of goods and services and are impacting the supply chain, resulting in disruption of economic activities and employment, besides affecting supply of goods and services.”

The letter also says that such restrictions amount to violation of guidelines issued by MHA under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla’s letter to all Chief Secys says that local level restrictions on inter and intra- state movement of persons & goods are impacting supply chains resulting in a disruption in economic activity & employment https://t.co/1uCu2N3Ft0

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2020

“Such restrictions at local level imposed by the District Administration or by the State Government, amount to violation of the guidelines issued by MHA under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005,” the letter read.

“I would, therefore, request that no restrictions may be imposed on inter-State and intra State movement of persons and goods and services and instructions issued to ensure that MHA guidelines mentioned above are strictly followed,” the letter read.

The home secretary emphasized that no separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movement of persons and goods for cross land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.

In unlock three guidelines Ministry of Home Affairs has specifically mentioned that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. It is done to restart the economy more effectively. (ANI)