TURA: A government announced two-day closure across the state coming into effect from Tuesday, the administration in the five districts of Garo Hills will be permitting only pharmacies and medical stores to remain open while providing a window solely for the transport of essential commodities to check against shortages, it was announced on Monday.
Strict guidelines have also been put in place for stern action against anyone violating the shutdown which has been mooted to check against possible outbreak of the novel corona virus infection in the state.
With the global pandemic having taken the lives of over 15,000 people in more than a dozen countries, leaving in its trail over 3.50 lakh infected people across the world, India is preparing for any eventuality as it beefs up all its resources to check the spread of the disease.
There are 360 cases of infection in the country with seven deaths from the corona virus, till date.
In the light of some people violating a lock down on Saturday by organizing picnics, hiking and visits to streams and river banks despite medical appeal for social distancing to check against infection, the administration has decided to come down hard on such people who break the law.
Police in Garo Hills have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the rules during the current situation and violators who refuse to comply with the law will be booked under regulatory orders related to curb the COVID-19 (nCOV19) disease.
Violation of the promulgated govt order will lead to arrest under Section 188 of the IPC which is a Cognizable but Bailable.
Those negligently doing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life will be booked under Section 269 IPC which will lead to Imprisonment for 6 months or fine, or both (Cognizable, Bailable).
Those malignantly doing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life will get imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both (Cognizable, Bailable) under Section 270 IPC.
Anyone who knowingly disobeys any quarantine rule will face imprisonment for 6 months, or fine, or both (Non-cognizable) under Section 271 IPC.
Private vehicle movement restricted: The state transport department has prohibited the inter-district movement of all private vehicles from 24th to 31st of March as part of the measures put in place to check against possible infection from the corona virus. An order to this effect was given on Monday in all the districts of Garo Hills by their respective deputy commissioners.
Visits to riverside banned: Local community leaders residing in the Ganol river region of West Garo Hills has issued an order prohibiting people from visiting the riverside for recreation during the restriction against corona virus infection.
On Saturday, during the state lock down, dozens of people were found violating orders and heading to the riverside for picnics and relaxation much to the frustration of the authorities.
GHADC closed down: The Garo Hills Autonomous district Council has been closed till 31st March as part of measures to prevent corona virus infection. However, the officers and staff have been asked to be available round the clock for any emergencies.
Roster Duties with reduced staff: The West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, in pursuance of the government directive vide OM No. POL/65-2020/27. Dt. 19th March 2020), has directed all the heads of the line departments in the district to prepare roster duty reduce work force and as part of the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19. The offices are to follow the following patterns:
1). All administrative heads and heads of department (HoDs) to ensure that 50 percent of group B (Pay level 11 to 14) and group C (PAY level 2 to 10) employees are required to attend office every day, the remaining 50 percent be instructed to work at home.
2). All the administrative heads and head of departments (HoDs) are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for group B and group C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, administrative heads and HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office to use their own transport to travel to the offices.
3). Further, the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be suggested. It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the following timing:
a). 10 AM to 5 PM, b). 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM & c). 11 AM to 6PM
4). The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should
be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should
attend office, if called for any exigency of works.
5). These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential /emergency
Services and Health & family Welfare department which is directly engaged in taking measures
To control spread of COVID-19 and also departments like Home (Police), Political, Finance,
Planning and Information & Public Relations.
These orders shall be applicable with immediate effect and will remain in force till 3rd April, 2020, it was announced.