Ashok Gehlot led Rajasthan Government is planning to implement Modified Lockdown in the state from April 21. This step is being considered to gradually revive economic activities in Rajasthan.
The state government is looking to restart the activities in agriculture and industrial sector in rural and urban areas on a conditional basis.
The CM of the state is planning to implement this ‘Modified Lockdown’ in a phased manner for which units in rural and industrial areas of the state will be reopened after 20th April.
Modified Lockdown is being implemented to provide employment to migrant labourers and daily-wage earners in the state. The directives were given by the CM during a high-level meeting with the state officials.
However, the corona-affected areas which are still under curfew will continue with curfew until the situation improves in those hotspots. Employees or other people living in these areas will not be allowed to go out.
During a live video conference with the media people, Gehlot clarified the term “Modified Lockdown”. He said that under Modified Lockdown, activities are started after modifying the basic guidelines. People will be educated on social distancing at workplaces and other public places.
He has also directed the industries in urban areas to provide staying facility for the labourers at the workplace since commuting of labourers from outside will not be allowed.
The CM advised the District Collectors, RIICO, District Industry Centres and the Police Officials to ensure coordination with each other so no problem arises in starting these selected industries during the lockdown.
However, these policies will not be followed in the hotspot regions of the state. These regions will have a separate policy. All the 49 places where curfew is implemented will have a separate policy than those places which have no patients.
After modified lockdown is put in place, rural workers will get employment in rural areas. The state has open the vegetable markets and purchasing process has also begun at MSP directly from the farmers.
The CM has directed to open the Government offices in a phased manner. Officers under Group A and Group-B category will be required to be present and ensure social distancing.
PWD and irrigation work will also be started in rural areas as well as MGNREGS work will be intensified by following social distancing norms and other health-related protocols.
The State Government will also ensure to follow the guidelines issued by the Government of India till May 3. Keeping the public health as the top-most priority, the State Government will work in coordination with the Central Government.
However, people must keep in mind that the rules and guidelines will not be followed, and cases of infection increase, all the permissions would be withdrawn immediately.