India Unlock—No restrictions on inter-state and intra-state travel

In a much-awaited development, the central government has lifted all restrictions on passenger and goods’ movement for both inter-state and intra-state travel. Reportedly, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to all Union Territories and state and chief secretaries on the same. He has also communicated that any such imposition would henceforth be treated as violation of the guidelines issued by the MHA.

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The letter written by Mr Bhalla is quoted as stating that, "Such restrictions amount to violation of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. No restrictions be imposed and it should be ensured that MHA guidelines are followed."

He has also written that any disruption in such movement will hamper the supply chains and also affect employment as well as other economic activities. Henceforth, no special permission, permits, or approval would be required for such movement. The development has come in the wake of unlock guidelines issued by the Centre on July 29. The same has ushered in the third phase of lifting the COVID-19 restrictions in the country.