List of activities allowed as per Home Ministry’s guidelines after April 20

While the nationwide lockdown will continue until May 3, the Central Government is taking steps to reopen the economy with precaution. There have been reports making the rounds that some restrictions will be lifted in safe zones on April 20. 

A notification put out by the home ministry says the following - “The permitted activities from April 20, 2020 are aimed at ensuring that agricultural and related activities remain fully functional; the rural economy functions with maximum efficiency; employment opportunities are created for daily wage earners and other members of the labour force; select industrial activities are allowed to resume their operations, with adequate safeguards and mandatory standard operating protocols (SOPs); and the digital economy.”

Here is a brief list of the activities allowed to function starting April 20:

• Rural/urban roads and other building construction work will be permitted. This includes irrigation projects, buildings, and industrial projects in rural areas.

• Transportation of both essential and non-essential goods to resume. 

To reduce the impact on rural regions, food processing industries, works under MNREGA, and operation of rural Common Service Centres (CSCs) will be allowed.

• Manufacturing of IT goods will also be permitted, while coal, mineral and oil activities will also be allowed. 

• E-commerce facilities, call centres for government activities, and online teaching or distance learning services will be allowed.

• The notification also mentions that important offices of Central and State Governments will continue to function at the required capacity. The supply of utilities and services will continue as usual. Social and health services will also continue to function. 

E-commerce retailers like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal will reportedly offer a wider range of products including mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops, and stationery items from April 20. 

However, not everybody is in the loop about the changes. When reached out for a comment, a Xiaomi spokesperson said - “We are currently discussing the details with all our partners and evaluating. We will be able to share an update at a later stage on receiving complete clarity.”