MHA releases Unlock 4 guidelines

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs  on Saturday unveiled the guidelines and rules for Unlock 4.0, which offer major relaxations for various activities in a phased manner. According to the new norms, states can no longer impose lockdowns outside containment zones without the Centre’s permission and must not seal borders.

Metro rails will be allowed to resume services from 7th September in a graded manner. Further,  from September 21, social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions can be held with a maximum 100 people while senior students can come to schools on a voluntary basis. Also, albeit schools and colleges will remain shut till September end, they can call in 50% of their teachers for facilitating online teaching.

The MHA decided to rescind the power of states to impose lockdowns in the light of sealing the borders. It observed that such lockdowns and sealing of borders have severely impaired supply chains and are adversely affecting efforts to revive the economy.  “National directives for Covid-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing. Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers,” the guidelines stated.