Lockdown: Govt offices open, work begins in select activities in Sikkim
While the extended coronavirus-induced lockdownremains in force till May 3 next, state government officesopened with one-third of employees reporting for duty onroster basis, they said.
The state government has allowed operation of threeSikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses for ferrying stategovernment employees on duty.
It may be mentioned that Sikkim remains aCOVID-19-free state.
The consolidated revised guidelines on the measures tobe taken by central ministries and departments, and state andUnion Territory governments were issued on April 15 afterPrime Minister Narendra Modi announced extension of thenationwide lockdown till May 3.
The lockdown was earlier from March 25 to April 14.
Agriculture, construction, Information Technology andindustrial units in the SEZs and rural areas were among somesectors where the restrictions would be lifted with safeguardsfrom April 20 in a bid to kickstart the country's batteredeconomy and reduce the distress caused to millions of people,the guidelines had said.
Farming and construction activities resumed in thestate with riders to the farmers to maintain social distance,while work at the construction projects have to be carried outonly by local labourers, they said.
Under-construction power projects and manufacturing ofpharmaceuticals and other essential goods too have beenallowed to begin operations.
Goods carriers and heavy vehicles carryingconstruction materials plied on the roads in Sikkim afterscreening at Rango and Melli check posts.
The Excise department has allowed the opening ofForeign Liquor Retail (FLR) shops in Sikkim from 9am to 5 pm,except on dry days.
The licensee of the FLR shops shall be personallyresponsible for deploying staff to ensure maintaining ofsocial distancing of at least 1 metre between the customers, acircular issued by the Excise department said, adding thatface masks should be worn by the staff at all times.
Meat shops and wet markets have also been givenrelaxation during the extended phase of the lockdown.
However, inter-state travel has been restricted andprivate and public transport vehicles have been barred fromplying.
Only transport vehicles and emergency vehiclesauthorised by the district administration are being allowedwithin the state.
All Gram Panchayat Units (GPU) in the state have beengiven two vehicles each, one for medical emergency and anotherfor carrying essential commodities. KDKMM MM