Odisha Govt Relaxes Norms In Second Phase Of COVID-19 Lockdown

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday announced relaxation of certain norms during the second-phase of the lockdown from April 15 to 30 to sustain agricultural activities and livelihood of some sections in the state.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena announced the following relaxations:

— All agricultural activities like sowing and transportation of seeds, sapling plantation and harvesting.
— Use of tractors for agricultural activity.
— Opening of agri equipment sales and repair counters.
— All cold storages and fertiliser godowns to remain open.
—  Vegetables will be procured directly from the farmer producer organisations.
— Engagement of labourers for digging of ponds under Mo Pokahri scheme.
— All Banks to remain open for disbursement of Kharif loans.
— Mandis in 17-18 districts to remain open for procurement of Rabi paddy.
— Trucks and tractors will be allowed for transport of paddy from the village to the mandis and from the mandis to the rice mills.
— Transport of egg, fish, mutton and milk will continue.
— Production, transport and supply of cattle and fish feed will continue.
— All veterinary hospitals, laboratories and immunisation centres will remain open.
— Freshwater and marine fishing will continue.
— Fish seedling production will and fishing net manufacturing units to remain open.
— All cow sheds will remain open.
— Food supply for stray animals will continue.
— The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNRGA) will continue.
— Construction of toilets under Swachh Bharat Yojana will continue.
— Construction of Biju Pucca Ghar will continue.
— Drinking water supply and repair of bore wells will continue.
— For afforesation work, nursery units will remain open.
— Construction of water bodies for wild animals will continue.
— Collection and binding of Kendu leaves will be allowed.
— Collection and sale of minor forest produce will be allowed.
— Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be allowed to take up all activities.
— Home delivery of essential items through e-commerce sites will be allowed.
— Home delivery of food will remain open.
— All roadside dhabas will remain open. However, the owners have been asked to deliver the food in packets, but not allow dining facilities on their premises.

The SRC laid emphasis on the strict adherence to social distancing guidelines in all the aforesaid activities.