Centre has asked state governments to set up a round the clock control room with a helpline number at its headquarters and in each of its districts to ensure seamless availability of essential commodities during the 21-day lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
The Union Home Ministry’s letter to Chief Secretaries of allstates came in the wake of reports that those involved in distribution anddelivery of essential commodities and services were facing difficulties due tothe restriction of movement of people and police vigilance.
The ministry also said a dedicated helpline number shouldalso be set up to help healthcare workers or others officials who are workingin hospitals handling coronavirus cases as some of them are facing harassmentby landlords, neighbours or locals.
In its letter, the home ministry said to ensure that theseessential provisions are seamlessly available at ground level, it would benecessary for each state and UT to set-up a 24×7 Control Room or office with ahelplines (at state/district level) to address any grievance or undue problemsfaced by the providers of goods and services, including during inter-statemovement.
The ministry said a nodal officer at the state may beappointed to coordinate with the district administration and police in thismatter.This is necessary toensure continuity of supply chain for essential commodities, several of whichmay be perishable, the letter said.