Port Blair, Apr. 15: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his address to the Nation today, has announced that the lockdown in India, which has been imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, will have to be extended till May 3, 2020.
In pursuance of this announcement, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has issued directions to all the Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and Authorities, that the lockdown measures stipulated in the Consolidated Guidelines of MHA, for containment of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, will continue to remain in force upto May 3, 2020. The consolidated guidelines to implement lockdown measures are place on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs.
With the extension of the lockdown, all restrictions that have been imposed in various sectors, and on various activities, will continue to remain in force. These restrictions, which have been spelt out in the Consolidated Guidelines of MHA, must be enforced strictly, by all Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and by State/Union Territory Governments and Authorities.
As per the orders issued by MHA under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the States/Union Territories cannot dilute restrictions imposed vide the aforesaid guidelines. The Home Secretary, Govt. of India/Chairperson, National Executive Committee, Shri Ajay Bhalla has asked all the States/UTs to strictly implement the directions issued by MHA, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as contained in the Consolidated Guidelines, without any dilution of the same.
The NDMA has also directed that strict social distancing measures need to be implemented for a further period so as to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The guidelines/orders issued by NEC shall continue to be applicable throughout the country.
Consequent upon this, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Chetan B. Sanghi has ordered that the consolidated guidelines issued by the MHA shall be applicable in the whole of UT of A&N Islands with immediate effect. The instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs should be fully complied with, the order to this effect issued by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration said.
