Centre has directed state governments to facilitate truck drivers and labourers associated in this sector to reach their workplace to ensure smooth intra and inter-state movement of essential food and groceries during the lockdown period.
In a letter to State Chief Secretaries, Consumer Affairs Secretary Pawan Kumar Agarwal asked them to designate a nodal officer who will coordinate with state police to ensure hassle free movement of supplies. The designated officer will also issue authorisation letters to companies and organisations having nationwide supply of essential goods. To ensure that truck drivers do not face problems from police during the lockdown, the Secretary said the movement of one driver and one additional person from their place of residence to the truck should be facilitated by the local authorities.
Stating that several companies have reported difficulties in getting labour for their operations, Mr Agarwal said, the local administration should be advised to facilitate in ensuring availability of labour in factories, warehouses and transportation and distribution operations of essential food and groceries by appealing to house owners, societies and villages to allow workers to go for work. He also mentioned that the Consumer Affairs Ministry has developed an e-pass system solution with the help of E-Gov Foundation.
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