Lockdown-like strict restrictions will be imposed in Maharastra from today at 8 pm. There will be a state-wide curfew in the state while essential services will be allowed, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said today. Cinema halls, spas, schools, colleges, beaches, clubs, swimming pools theatres, auditoriums, amusement parks, gyms, sports complexes will be closed in the state. Shooting for films, serial, ads will be closed. All shops, malls, shopping centers not performing essential services also remain closed from 8 pm, 14th Apr till 7 am on 1st May.
However, most government and private offices, as well as shops and other establishments will have to down shutters till the end of the month.
The state government will provide 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice free for the next one month to every poor and needy person while the coronavirus-induced restrictions are in place. ‘Shiv Bhojan Thali‘ will be free of cost for the next one month, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said strict restrictions will come into effect from 8 pm today to curb the Covid-19 spread in the state. Section 144 to be imposed in the entire state from tomorrow, he said, adding that “I will not term this as lockdown”.
The CM announced a complete ban on the movement of people for non-essential works during the restriction period. All essential services, including medical stores hospitals, supply of medicines, among others will remain operational. The local transport will also function for those involved in essential services, he said.
All banking and financial services, the RBI and its affiliated offices, insurance offices, -commerce, accredited media, IT services, ATMs, gas supply, port activities and pre-monsoon works will remain operational, he said. However, there will be a complete ban on religious, social, cultural, and political functions in the state till May 1, the CM said.
A range of other essential services will also remain out of the purview of the curfew. Services such as vaccination, oxygen production, home delivery of food, operation of e-commerce firms, work at construction sites with residential facility and industrial activities, where accommodation or transportation of personnel is available, will remain unaffected, he said.
The government will also provide Rs 1,500 to each of the 12 lakh registered construction workers and 5 lakh registered hawkers. Tribal families will be paid Rs 2,000 each under the Khavti scheme. Also, Rs 3,300 crore is being provided for district-level schemes in the fight against the pandemic.
