The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for movement of stranded labourers within the State and Union Territory and has directed strict implementation of the directions to all the States and Union Territories.
Due to the outbreak of COVID 19 many workers employed in different sectors like industry, agriculture construction and others across the country have moved from their respective places of work and have been taking shelter in the relief camps being run by the States and Union Territories.
The circular of MHA states that, “since additional new activities outside the containment zones have been permitted in the consolidated revised guidelines with effect from 20th April 2020, these workers have been engaged in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works.”
The following guidelines have been suggested to facilitate the movement of labour within the State/UT
- The migrant labourers currently residing in relief camps in State/Uts should be registered with the concerned local Authority and their skill mapping be carried out to find out their suitability for various kinds of works.
- In the event, that a group of migrants wish to return to their places of work, within the State where they are presently located, they would be screened and those who are asymptomatic would be transported to their respective places of work.
- There shall be no movement of labour outside the State/UT where they are currently located
- During the journey by bus, it would be ensured that safe social distancing norms are followed and the buses used for transport are sanitized as per the guidelines of the Health authorities.
- The National Directives for COVID 19 management issued under the consolidated revise guidelines dated 15th April 2020 shall be struictly followed.
- The local authorities shall provide for food and water etc for the duration of their journey.