Centre asks states to provide shelter to migrants, seal borders as exodus continues

NEW DELHI: Stating that movement of large number of migrants in some parts of the country to reach their hometowns was a violation of the lockdown measures on maintaining social distance, the home ministry on Sunday directed that all such migrants on the move be accommodated in the nearest shelter by the respective states and Union territory authorities while all district and state borders are effectively sealed.

In a fresh order issued by the Union Home Secretary on Sunday under Section 10(2)(l) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the states and UTs were told to ensure proper screening of migrant people on the move, for COVID-19 and keep them in government quarantine facilities for a minimum 14 days as per standard health protocol.

As per the order, which entails punitive action if violated by any person or anyone in authority, states and UT governments shall ensure adequate arrangements of temporary shelters and provision of food etc for the poor and needy people, including migrant labourers stranded due to the lockdown measures in their respective areas.

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