Metro train services may resume from September 1, reopening of school unlikely: Officials
New Delhi: The government is likely to allow resumption of Metro train services in the 'Unlock 4' phase beginning September 1, but schools and colleges may not reopen anytime soon, officials said on Monday.
Bars, which are so far not allowed to reopen, may be permitted to sell liquor over the counter for takeaway.
Metro rail services may be allowed from September 1 when the 'Unlock 4' phase in the graded reopening from the coronavirus-induced lockdown will begin, an official said.
States will, however, take the final call on reopening the rapid transport networks depending on the coronavirus situation there.
Metro services were suspended in late March to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 31 lakh people in the country so far.
The official said there will be no reopening of schools and colleges immediately, but deliberations are underway on whether to allow reopening of higher educational institutions such as universities, IITs and IIMs. No decision has been taken on the matter yet, the official added.
There is almost no possibility of allowing cinema halls to reopen from September 1 as it will not be commercially viable for film-makers or cinema hall owners to operate following social distancing norm, another official said.
In the 'Unlock 4' guidelines, the central government will only mention about prohibited activities and the rest can resume.
The state governments will take a final call on additional activities that should continue to remain prohibited during the 'Unlock 4', the official said.
The Unlock 4 guidelines are expected to be issued later this week.
The strict enforcement of lockdown in containment zones will continue across India.
As of now, among the prohibited activities are Metro rail services, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations are also likely to remain prohibited next month.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for international travel on non-scheduled commercial flights under the Vande Bharat Mission and bilateral 'Air Transport Bubble' arrangements.
Accordingly, persons desirous to travel to India on Vande Bharat flights, will register themselves with the Indian missions in the country where they are stranded or residing, along with necessary details as prescribed by Ministry of External Affairs.
On Saturday, the Centre has asked all states to ensure that there should be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods during the ongoing Unlock-3 phase.
In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there were reports that local level restrictions on movement are being imposed by various districts and states.
Drawing attention to the Unlock 3 guidelines, Bhalla said such restrictions are creating problems in inter-state movement of goods and services and are impacting supply chains resulting in disruption in economic activity and employment.
The unlock guidelines clearly states that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods, he said in the letter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first announced lockdown with effect from March 25 to combat the coronavirus pandemic which was subsequently extended till May 31.
Since June 1, the unlock process began with resumption of industrial activities and offices across the country.
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Modi runs govt for billionaires, Patnaik for select few: Rahul Gandhi in Odisha
Cuttack (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that while PM Narendra Modi runs a government for billionaires from Delhi, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leads a dispensation that works for "select people" in Odisha.
Addressing an election rally in Cuttack's Salepur, Gandhi claimed that though the BJD and BJP were fighting the electoral battle against each other, in reality, they were working together.
"Call it a partnership or marriage, both BJD and BJP are together," he claimed.
Taking a dig at Patnaik, Gandhi said that though he was the chief minister, the BJD government in the state was being run by his aide VK Pandian.
In an apparent reference to the PM, Gandhi said, "Uncle-ji and Naveen-babu have given Odisha PAANN, meaning Pandian, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik. They have looted your wealth."
"Rs 9 lakh crore was looted through the mining scam. Rs 20,000 crore was looted through land grabs. The plantation scam was of 15,000 crore. As soon as the Congress government is formed here and in Delhi, we will start giving you back your money," he added.
Gandhi claimed that in a similar way, the BRS in Telangana used to work with the BJP, and his party ousted it from power.
"While Naveen-babu has given you Pandian, I will tell you what Congress will give you. If we come to power at the Centre, we will do five revolutionary works. We will make a list of all the poor families, and one woman from a family will be selected and we will transfer Rs 1 lakh annually to her bank account. It is Rs 8,500 per month," he said.
"We will bring a scheme -- 'pehli naukri pakki'. All the unemployed youths with degrees and diplomas will get apprenticeships, we will give you the guarantee of your first job for a year. It will be in the public sector, private sector, government hospitals and offices," he added.
Gandhi said that if Congress formed the government in Odisha, it would provide Rs 2,000 per month to women, Rs 3,000 per month to unemployed youths, 200 units of free electricity and LPG at Rs 500 per cylinder.
"While uncle-ji has worked for 22 billionaires, we are going to create crores of lakhpatis," he said.
He alleged that BJP refers to tribals as 'banabasi' or forest-dwellers instead of 'adibasi' or indigenous people.
"The tribals are not 'banabasi', they are the 'adibasi', meaning they have the first right to the land, forest and water. Modi has taken away tribal rights and given them to industries. Congress will give tribals their rights back," Gandhi said.
He said that if Congress returns to power, it will waive off farm loans.
"Whenever there is a need, Congress will waive off crop loans," he said, adding that a legal framework for MSP for all crops will also be ensured.
"The salary of Anganwadi and ASHA workers will be doubled, while MGNREGA wage will be hiked to Rs 400 per day," he said.
Odisha will vote in the Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls simultaneously in four phases, starting on May 13.
There are 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state and a 147-member assembly.
VIDEO | Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Here's what Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) said addressing an election rally in Kendrapara, Odisha.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 28, 2024
"They are benefitting 22 people. They have given PANN to Odisha. The state is being run by Pandian, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Naveen… pic.twitter.com/czCB3Lt4Ju
