Centre lays down standards for smooth supply of all vital items

NEW DELHI: Laying down standard operating procedures for preserving supply of vital goods at local retail stores, big organised stores in addition to e-commerce platforms, the home ministry on Thursday underlined that all constituents of the supply chain– from maker to wholesaler/retailer– ought to be permitted to run, while ensuring social distancing throughout the lockdown period.

These constituents, home secretary Ajay K Bhalla stated in an interaction to chief secretaries/administrators of all states/Union territories, include suppliers of necessary goods like restaurants providing house delivery of prepared food items; storage centers like godowns and storage facilities; transporters, drivers and loaders from th