The Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala has decided to open dine-in restaurants, MSME industries in municipal areas, barbershops and book stores.
New Delhi| The first phase of lockdown relaxation has begun in the country from today. To reboot the economy in the country badly hit due to Coronavirus Pandemic and the resultant lockdown to curb the spread, selected economic activities have been allowed in non-hotspot areas. The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a consolidated guideline listing the activities allowed from April 20th.
However, Kerala which has been successful in effectively containing the spread of Coronavirus has decided to add more relaxation to the lockdown. The Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala has decided to open dine-in restaurants, MSME industries in municipal areas, barbershops and book stores. This has not gone down well with the central government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has criticised the Kerala government for its decision. In a strongly worded letter, the MHA has slammed the state for “Diluting the lockdown guidelines”. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in his letter cited clause 4(i) and (ii) of the guidelines. The clauses mention that states and Union Territories will not dilute the guidelines issued under the disaster management act and shall strictly enforce the same.
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Bhalla further quoted Supreme Court directive as on 31.03.2020 in which the Apex Court observed that the state governments will “faithfully comply with directives and orders of the union of India in letter and spirit in the interest of public safety”.
The letter further asked Kerala Govt to issue fresh ordered announcing the withdrawal of permissions to barber shops, restaurant and MSMEs. The state government meanwhile clarified that the public transport will not be reopened in the state and a revised order will be issued correcting the “mistake”.
Meanwhile, states like Delhi and Punjab have refused to allow relaxation in their respective states whereas Telangana has extended the lockdown in the state till May 7.
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