Restriction on inter-state movement, a violation of guidelines: MHA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 22, 2020

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all the states in the country not to impose restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods and services.

A letter issued by the Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla to the chief secretaries of all states said, “I would, therefore, request that no restrictions may be imposed on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and services…”

The letter said that para-5 of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines has clearly state that there shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods adding no separate permission, approval, e-permit will be required for such movements. This includes movement of persons & goods for corss land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.

The letter said 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,” it said.

It further added that such restrictions at local level imposed by the district administration or by the state government, amount to violation of the guidelines issued by the MHA under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005.