Centre has directed all states to ensure unhindered movement of essential goods and services in states and union territories including inter-state movement. This is being done to ensure continuity of supply chains during COVID-19 lockdown.
In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Home Ministry said that it is necessary to ensure the unhindered operation of manufacturing, processing, transportation, distribution, storage and logistics related to all services, and commodities required for the delivery of essential services which have been exempted. Centre said it is necessary for each state and union territory to set up a 24/7 control room with helplines at state and district levels to address any grievance or problems faced by the providers of goods and services.
This is necessary to ensure continuity of supply chain for essential commodities which include perishable items. Centre has asked states to make the state helpline facility available to ensure adequate protection to essential service providers, government or PSU employees and healthcare workers from unwanted stigmatization.