The Centre on Monday, 20 April, said that the COVID-19 situation is “especially serious” in Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata and a few other places in West Bengal, and violation of lockdown measures risk the spread of coronavirus.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in a communication with state government and union territories said there have been several incidents of violence against COVID-19 of healthcare professionals, complete violation of social distancing norms and movement of vehicles in urban areas.
As of now, total number of cases climbed to 20,004 and 641 deceased, according to Union Health Ministry.
251 deaths were reported in Maharashtra while 5,218 people are affected.
In Madhya Pradesh out of 1552 cases, 80 have died.
Rajasthan reported 1,659 cases and 25 people died while in West Bengal 15 people died and 339 cases reported.
According to health ministry data “Violation of lockdown measures has been reported, posing a serious health hazard to public and risk for spread of COVID-19.”
The central government has constituted six Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to make on-spot assessment of the COVID-19 situation in these places and issue necessary directions to the four states – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal – for redressal.
The Ministry said that the team will submit their reports to the Central Government for the interest of the general public.
“The IMCTs will focus on compliance and implementation of the lockdown measures as per guidelines, supply of essential commodities, social distancing, preparedness of health infrastructure, safety of health professionals and conditions of relief camps for labourers and poor people”, a home ministry spokesperson said.
Ajay Bhalla in communication to chief secretaries of state governments and Union Territory administrations, Union Home Secretary said that some states and UTs are issuing orders allowing activities which have not been allowed as per the guidelines issued by the home ministry under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
“I would again urge you to ensure compliance of the revised consolidated guidelines, and direct all authorities concerned for their strict implementation in letter and spirit without any dilution and to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures,” he said.
The home secretary also drew the attention of the chief secretaries to the guidelines which categorically say that in any manner state and Union Territory governments will not dilute them and strictly enforce the same. However, they can impose stricter measures than the guidelines as per the requirement of local areas.
Bhalla also pointed out to a recent Supreme Court observation that all state governments, public authorities and citizens will faithfully comply with the directives and orders issued by the Union of India in letter and spirit in the interest of public safety. The observations, which must be treated as the directions of the apex court, was conveyed in “my letter dated April 1 to all states and UTs (union territories),” he said.
The lockdown is extended till 3rd may which was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 March in a bid to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
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