COVID-19: Center Exempts Agri Machinery Shops from Lockdown Rule

Amid the nationwide lockdown, the Home Ministry issued a guideline and exempted the shops selling agricultural machinery and parts of agriculture equipment. Shops of Agricultural machinery, its spare parts (including it supply chain) and repairs to remain open," read the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a complete lockdown in the country from March 25 in order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

The addendum exempts from lockdown restrictions the shops of agricultural machinery, its spare parts (including its supply chain) and repair; truck repair shops on highways, preferably at fuel pumps; and Tea industry, including plantations with a maximum of 50% workers.

The fourth addendum issued by union home secretary Ajay Bhalla exempted shops for truck repairs on highways, preferably at fuel pumps as well as the tea industry, including plantations with maximum 50 per cent workers.

"In continuation of Ministry of Home Affairs' Order No 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 24th March, 25th March and 27th March and 2nd April 2020 and in the exercise of the powers, conferred under Section of the Disaster Management Act, the undersigned in his capacity as Chairperson, National Executive Committee, hereby issues the 4th Addendum to guidelines, as Annexed to the said Orders issued to Ministries / Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State / Union Territory Authorities with the directions for their strict implementation," read the addendum.

From March 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a complete nationwide lockdown in order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.